By SCM International Desk I Monday, Sept 28, 2026
WASHINGTON — In a major potential shift in Middle East policy, the Trump administration has signaled a readiness to ease economic sanctions against Iran and unfreeze billions of dollars in restricted state assets, provided Tehran demonstrates verifiable progress on its nuclear program.
A senior U.S. official confirmed the offer in statements first reported by Al Jazeera, noting that indirect diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran have recently taken a “positive” turn.
The proposal marks one of the most substantial diplomatic olive branches extended to Tehran in recent history, offering direct access to liquidity in exchange for tangible rollbacks in Iranian enrichment capabilities.
However, officials emphasized that any financial incentives remain strictly contingent on concrete actions regarding Iran’s nuclear file.
A Conditional Opening
The White House position represents a significant move toward economic engagement. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Washington is willing to consider phased sanctions relief and unlock billions in foreign bank reserves that have remained frozen under punitive measures.
”President Trump is willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release frozen funds for concrete progress on nuclear,” a U.S. official stated.
The primary hurdle in negotiations remains the sequencing of concessions.
Washington has rejected calls for upfront economic relief prior to Iranian verification, insisting that nuclear safeguards and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access must lead the implementation timeline.
Positive Signals Amid Regional Mediation
The turnaround in tone follows intensive indirect diplomatic engagements facilitated by regional intermediaries, including Qatar. Talks had previously stalled over terms surrounding regional security and maritime transit, but recent focus has consolidated on the nuclear framework.
Iranian officials have expressed cautious willingness to permit renewed international monitoring under appropriate conditions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian previously indicated that Tehran would allow UN nuclear inspectors to resume full activities if a clear agreement framework is established. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has similarly signaled readiness to return to Iran to oversee technical compliance.
Economic Pressure and Strategic Calculus
For Iran, gaining access to frozen capital in overseas financial institutions represents a crucial economic lifeline. Sanctions have heavily restricted oil exports, inflated domestic prices, and choked foreign exchange supply. Releasing these reserves would offer immediate domestic economic stabilization.
For Washington, leveraging asset release offers a potent diplomatic mechanism. By linking capital unfreezing to specific, measurable milestones in nuclear reduction, the administration aims to secure irreversible constraints on Iran’s nuclear trajectory.
While both sides describe the atmosphere of recent exchanges as constructive, diplomats warn that significant gaps remain between proposal and implementation.
Formal negotiating teams are expected to reconvene shortly to determine whether the theoretical framework can be translated into a binding, verifiable agreement.