The United Arab Emirates has categorically refuted reports circulating in some international media outlets, which claimed that Abu Dhabi had released large sums of frozen funds belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified in an official statement that these allegations are baseless, emphasizing the need for accuracy in reporting news related to the state's financial and diplomatic policies.
The Emirati Foreign Ministry affirmed that reports circulating about the transfer of $3 billion as a first installment of a total of $10 billion are mere fabrications. The Ministry urged all media institutions to obtain information from official and accredited sources, warning against circulating unverified news that could mislead global public opinion on sensitive regional issues.
International press reports had quoted unnamed sources claiming that the UAE had agreed to a financial settlement leading to the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets. These sources alleged that this step was part of broader understandings aimed at de-escalating military and security tensions in the region, which the Emirati authorities completely and utterly denied in their latest statement.
These alleged reports linked the release of funds to Tehran's commitment to halt any hostile attacks targeting Emirati territory or the vital interests of the state. The sources cited by international agencies indicated that this supposed agreement would have paved the way for rebuilding bilateral relations and enhancing intelligence and economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries after years of tension.
In a related context, media sources quoted an Emirati official confirming that the state's foreign policy prioritizes de-escalation and achieving lasting peace. The official added that the UAE continuously works to support efforts aimed at protecting the peoples of the region from the repercussions of conflicts, but this is done through official diplomatic channels and not through financial deals outside the framework of international law and existing sanctions.
The press reports claimed that the behind-the-scenes negotiations began several weeks ago and saw a significant acceleration after a high-level Iranian delegation visited the capital, Abu Dhabi. The news alleged that the delegation met with senior Emirati security officials, including National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss technical details related to the mechanism for transferring funds through specific banking channels.
Banks operating in the UAE have held large deposits and financial assets linked to Iranian entities for many years, but these funds are subject to a strict freezing regime. This Emirati commitment is in line with the economic sanctions imposed by the United States on the Iranian financial system, which prevent the transfer of hard currency to Tehran.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time reports have emerged about the imminent release of frozen Iranian funds in countries in the region, as similar claims regarding assets in Qatar appeared last April. At that time, the US administration quickly denied those reports, emphasizing that any such move must be subject to strict oversight and limited to humanitarian purposes only, in accordance with international standards.
The issue of frozen assets remains a key focal point in indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, with the latter seeking to link it to security issues such as ensuring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. With the latest Emirati denial, uncertainty remains regarding the accuracy of leaks that speak of an imminent financial breakthrough that could change the balance of economic power in the region.
Claims related to the transfer or release of frozen Iranian funds are incorrect and not based on any facts or reliable information.
שתף את דעתך
UAE Officially Denies Release of $10 Billion in Frozen Iranian Assets