Trump Keeps Iran’s Billions Frozen Until It Gives Up Enriched Uranium
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 27
Trump Keeps Iran’s Billions Frozen Until It Gives Up Enriched Uranium
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 27
Trump said the U.S. will keep control of billions in Iranian funds frozen abroad and will not release them until Iran “behave[s] properly.”
The stance hardens a U.S. demand already conveyed by a senior administration official: no access to the money before Tehran gives up its highly enriched uranium — “no dust, no dollars.”
Iran has made release of the funds a precondition for meaningful negotiations, according to state media, turning the money into a central sticking point in efforts to end the war.
The dispute underscores how far Washington and Tehran remain from a peace deal, with Iran seeking relief from decades of sanctions and the economic damage of recent wars with the U.S. and Israel.
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From Ceasefire to Settlement: The 2026 US-Iran Talks and the Future of Middle East Stability
Overview
As of May 27, 2026, the United States and Iran are making real progress in talks to turn their current ceasefire into a lasting peace. Both sides say they are close to an agreement, focusing on a memorandum of understanding that would lay out a clear path to resolve their main disputes. Recent high-level meetings, including direct talks between Iran’s parliament speaker and the US Vice President, show a strong commitment to dialogue. The goal is to move beyond weeks of conflict and create a stable, long-term resolution through ongoing diplomatic efforts.