The UAE has firmly denied media reports suggesting it had agreed to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, describing the claims as “entirely false and unfounded.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE rejected allegations that up to $20 billion in Iranian funds had been unlocked, including claims that an initial $3 billion tranche had already been transferred.
The ministry stressed that no frozen Iranian assets had been released, moved, or facilitated through the country’s financial system.
The denial follows a Reuters report citing unnamed sources who claimed Abu Dhabi had agreed to unlock funds as part of wider diplomatic efforts linked to easing tensions after recent regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
According to the report, estimates of the alleged arrangement varied, with some sources putting the figure at around $10 billion and others suggesting it could reach $20 billion. Reuters also reported claims that an initial payment had already been made, though it said it could not independently verify the information.
The reports come as Iran and the United States continue discussions over a possible framework agreement covering sanctions relief, frozen assets, and maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Vice President JD Vance has said that any economic concessions to Iran would depend on compliance with any final agreement, stressing that no funds would be released simply in exchange for a deal.
Iranian officials have not yet responded to the latest claims, though the issue of frozen assets has remained a recurring point in recent diplomatic negotiations.
