US claims Iran prioritises asset unfreezing in peace negotiations

Washington (ANTARA) - United States (US) Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz has claimed that Iran is allegedly prioritising financial matters, particularly the unfreezing of assets, in negotiations with the US.

Previously, US President Donald Trump stated that Washington was negotiating with Tehran in a half-hearted manner, while Iran’s economic conditions were said to be deteriorating.

“Iranians are currently more afraid of Treasury Secretary (Scott) Bessent than War Secretary (Pete) Hegseth. When they come to the negotiating table with our negotiators, they talk about money, money, money, because they will endure the bombing. They do not care about their military,” Waltz told Fox News.

He added that this was precisely what Trump meant when speaking about pressure on Tehran.

“That, combined with the blockade, will eventually get the Iranians moving,” Waltz said.

Tensions in the region escalated after Trump declared that the ceasefire agreement reached with Tehran on 18 June was no longer in effect.

Following that, US forces launched a series of strikes against several targets in Iran.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) explained that the strikes were a response to provocations against civilian vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian military responded by launching attacks on US bases in several Middle Eastern countries.

Tehran also accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement.