Iran Demands Compensation as Central Issue in U.S. Nuclear Talks

Monetary compensation has become the main unresolved issue in talks between the U.S. and Iran. Iran has told mediators it wants funds released once an initial memorandum is signed, while U.S. officials worry early relief would reduce pressure on Tehran. The U.S. side is also focused on keeping any deal clearly stronger than the 2015 agreement.

Iran seeks roughly $12 billion in compensation, far more than the $1.7 billion unfrozen under the earlier accord. Officials said the U.S. is exploring options that route money through third countries or limit it to humanitarian purchases. One proposal would create an investment fund financed mainly by Gulf nations for post-agreement reconstruction. The U.S. would not contribute to the fund.

The White House has stated Iran will receive no financial relief until it gives up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Officials have used the phrase “no dust, no dollars” to describe that requirement.

““We have control of money that they claim is theirs. We’ll keep control of that money.”

The two sides are preparing for a second phase of talks focused on technical details of Iran’s nuclear program. Officials said the compensation question is as much about public presentation as financial mechanics.