The Trump administration has agreed to provide Iran with access to $6 billion in frozen oil revenues held in Qatar, contingent on Tehran purchasing humanitarian and other non-sanctioned goods from the United States. This arrangement is part of an interim deal reached between the two countries, aimed at encouraging Iran’s compliance with a recently signed memorandum of understanding and laying groundwork for further nuclear negotiations.

Under the terms of the agreement, funds would be released in installments beginning within a 60-day ceasefire period outlined in the deal. The disbursement is tied to conditions such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and progress toward a comprehensive settlement, with the released money restricted for use exclusively on American products, according to a diplomat with knowledge of the agreement.

While the White House has declined to comment on the specifics, a U.S. official confirmed that the release of frozen assets would depend on Iran displaying “good behavior,” including steps like relinquishing its enriched uranium. The administration also plans to grant Iran a waiver allowing it to continue exporting oil throughout the 60-day timeframe and will lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Iranian media has reported expectations of up to $12 billion being unfrozen during the interim period, though the $6 billion figure corresponds to funds previously held in South Korea and transferred to Qatar after a 2023 prisoner swap agreement under the Biden administration. This swap was intended as a confidence-building measure following the collapse of negotiations in the previous year.

A diplomat familiar with the deal described it as a modification of the Biden-era agreement, noting that the Trump administration has limited the use of the funds to humanitarian and non-sanctioned goods while ensuring purchases are made from American suppliers. “Iranians get humanitarian goods for their people, and the Iranian money is used to support American farmers,” the diplomat said.

President Donald Trump defended the interim deal, stating that frozen Iranian assets would be returned “as soon as they behave” and framing the move as a necessary step to maintain trust in the U.S. dollar. He said, “We have taken their money, it’s their money. If we didn’t give it back, nobody would ever invest in the dollar again.”

The agreement further commits the United States to “terminate all types of sanctions against” Iran, including those imposed by UN Security Council resolutions, according to a mutually agreed schedule. Both parties have also pledged to resolve the disposition of Iran’s enriched uranium through a jointly developed mechanism.

The interim deal has faced criticism from some Republicans and Trump’s opponents in the U.S., who argue it grants Iran excessive benefits and concessions. However, the administration maintains the approach as a strategic step toward stabilizing relations and advancing nuclear talks.