Iran's Central Bank Governor: MOU Requires US to Unfreeze Iranian Assets

On June 17, Abdolnaser Hemmati, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, stated on June 16 local time that in the process of drafting the relevant terms regarding the unfreezing of assets under the Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MOU), all past experiences and historical cases were fully considered. Efforts were made to ensure that the mechanisms set forth in the agreement provide the highest level of assurance for the smooth access and use of these funds. Hemmati noted that the terms of the MOU clearly specify the obligations of the United States regarding the unfreezing of assets, and these obligations are clear and enforceable, requiring the US to fulfill its commitments. He also emphasized that after the signing and implementation of the MOU, necessary technical and banking verifications will be conducted to confirm whether the assets are genuinely unfrozen and can be used. Hemmati stated that these unfrozen funds belong to the Central Bank of Iran, and the management, allocation, and usage of these funds will be determined within the legal framework of the central bank's authority. The central bank will arrange the use of funds based on national needs, economic conditions, and foreign exchange priorities.