Trump Clarifies Stance on Frozen Iranian Assets: Food Exclusively from US

Ekhbary News Agency | May 15, 2024

Former US President Donald Trump, speaking on his "Truth Social" platform this Wednesday, clarified his position regarding frozen Iranian assets. He adamantly stated that the United States has neither provided nor released any funds to Iran. This declaration comes amidst diverging statements between the American administration and Iranian officials on the contentious issue, and for what it's worth, Washington appears to be dictating strict terms for the utilization of these funds.

Trump's Proposed Mechanism for Asset Use

Trump indicated that the US would release a portion of these assets, which remain under its complete control, specifically for its own farmers and ranchers. The stated purpose is to procure corn, wheat, soybeans, and other agricultural products. He concluded his post by asserting that "Iran is in dire need of food," adding that the United States would purchase it for them "exclusively from the United States." This approach underscores a unilateral vision for the funds' deployment.

Background of Disputed Frozen Funds

Previously, Trump had addressed the Iranian assets file, reportedly agreeing to allow Tehran to use $6 billion to purchase American products. However, Abdolnaser Hemmati, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, denied that the agreement obligated his country to spend the funds exclusively on American food and medicine. This disagreement highlights the deep chasm in interpretations. On the 14th of this month, Iran and the United States announced a 14-point memorandum of understanding, mediated by Pakistan, aiming to halt conflict and address differences through dialogue and negotiations, a diplomatic effort to ease persistent tensions.