Multiple reports, citing Reuters and other named sources, say the UAE has agreed to unlock billions of dollars for Iran as part of efforts to reduce tensions after weeks of Iranian attacks on the UAE during the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Two regional sources told Reuters the UAE plans to release $10 billion, with more than $3 billion already delivered. Other sources with knowledge of the arrangement put the total at $20 billion and said a first $3 billion tranche has already been made available. Reuters reports that it cannot confirm whether the funds come from UAE accounts or from long-blocked Iranian assets held in the UAE’s banking system under U.S. sanctions. The UAE denies some specific claims about the transfers, saying reports of a roughly $3 billion transfer are “entirely false and unfounded,” and emphasizing that its policy focuses on de-escalation.
U.S. officials also set conditions. The White House did not immediately comment, while Vice President J.D. Vance says funds would not be released for signing a deal or attending a meeting. Sources describe an exchange in which Iran halts missile and drone attacks on the UAE and the parties rebuild bilateral ties, while the U.S. links any economic benefits to Tehran meeting obligations.
