US-Iran Peace Stalled by Rp217 Trillion Question

Peace negotiations between Iran and the United States are continuing even as the two countries remain engaged in tit-for-tat attacks. Sources say efforts to reach an initial agreement are intensifying amid rising regional tensions. According to an Iranian source, Iran wants between US$6 billion and US$12 billion of its frozen funds released to Tehran, while Washington wants to release funds gradually for humanitarian goods and opposes returning the funds directly to Iran. Three Iranian sources and a European official said the two countries are still actively exchanging messages regarding the details of the mechanism for disbursing Iranian assets frozen due to international sanctions. The communications are an important part of an effort to build a political understanding between the two sides. Iranian sources revealed that a preliminary political understanding has been reached in principle between Tehran and Washington. However, a number of technical issues remain under discussion, particularly regarding the mechanism for releasing revenues from Iranian oil sales frozen in various foreign banks. The amount of funds under debate is substantial, with Iran requesting the disbursement of US$6 billion to US$12 billion, equivalent to approximately Rp108.57 trillion to Rp217.14 trillion. The sources added that the current priority for the Iranian government is not achieving a comprehensive settlement with the US; Tehran is prioritising economic relief through the release of part of its frozen assets and a halt to the conflict.