US Vice President: Proposal to Release Iranian Assets in Exchange for Specific American Agricultural Products

US Vice President J.D. Vance has unveiled a proposed mechanism for releasing frozen Iranian assets. This plan would allow American authorities to oversee their utilization, directing funds towards purchasing US agricultural products. During a press conference in Switzerland, Vance explained that the plan, co-authored by Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, aims to "ensure Iranian funds benefit the Iranian people, not finance terrorism." He clarified the proposal stipulates funds be allocated for buying "American soybeans, American corn, and American wheat for the Iranian people." Vance noted this agreement has faced criticism from some Washington hardliners opposing financial relief for Iran, despite US administration assurances that released funds would not support groups designated as "terrorist." He likened the mechanism to previous arrangements by President Joe Biden's administration in 2023, when frozen Iranian funds were moved from restricted South Korean accounts. Their use was limited to specific humanitarian purchases—food, agricultural products, and medicine—under U.S. Treasury Department supervision. Vance described the plan as a "classic Trump deal," adding: "If Iranian assets are released, it will contribute to increasing American farmers' income while simultaneously providing food for the Iranian people."