The Trump administration has agreed to allow Iran access to $6 billion of its frozen oil revenues held in Qatar, contingent on the country purchasing humanitarian and non-sanctioned goods from the United States. This arrangement is part of a broader interim agreement signed on Wednesday, aimed at securing Tehran’s commitment to ongoing nuclear discussions.

Under the terms, the funds would be gradually released during a 60-day extended ceasefire outlined in the memorandum of understanding. The disbursement is tied to conditions such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and progress toward a final settlement in nuclear talks. According to a diplomat familiar with the agreement, the released money must be used exclusively to procure American products.

Though the White House has refrained from detailed commentary, a U.S. official noted that access to some of Iran’s frozen assets would be granted during final negotiations if Tehran demonstrates “good behaviour,” including relinquishing its enriched uranium stockpile. As part of the deal, the administration will also provide a waiver permitting Iran to export oil and plans to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports throughout the 60-day period.

Estimates suggest that tens of billions of dollars of Iran’s earnings from oil sales remain frozen in international banks due to U.S. sanctions. Iranian media outlets have reported that Tehran anticipates the release of roughly $12 billion during the interim phase. The $6 billion referenced in the agreement was previously held in South Korea before being transferred to a Qatari account, an arrangement linked to a 2023 prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iran. That swap was intended as a confidence-building measure following stalled negotiations between the Biden administration and Tehran.

A diplomat characterized the deal as a modification of a previous Biden-era arrangement, limiting the funds strictly to humanitarian and non-sanctioned purchases of American goods, thereby creating “a win-win situation.” He emphasized that Iranians would benefit from critical supplies while the funds would circulate back to U.S. producers, such as farmers.

Former President Donald Trump defended the interim agreement, stating his administration would restore frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions “as soon as they behave.” He added, “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 memorandum also commits the U.S. to progressively lift all sanctions against Iran, including those imposed by United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to an agreed timeline. Both parties have pledged to negotiate a mutually acceptable approach to handling Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

The announcement has drawn criticism from some Republicans and other opponents of the deal, who argue that it grants excessive concessions to Tehran. Nonetheless, supporters view it as a pragmatic step toward de-escalating tensions and resuming nuclear negotiations.