US plans to sell agricultural products to Iran using unfrozen assets

United States has put forward a plan to utilize $12 billion in unfrozen Iranian assets for buying American agricultural products, according to Iranian negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf. This initiative seeks to restore trade relations that have faced significant restrictions since 1979 Islamic Revolution, although Iranian officials express skepticism about the proposed terms.

BRIC Team

Jun 25, 2026 · 1 min read · 17 views

US plans to sell agricultural products to Iran using unfrozen assets

Key Takeaways

•The US plans to use $12 billion in unfrozen Iranian assets to purchase American agricultural products, potentially revitalizing trade relations.
•In 2024, US-Iran trade reached $838 million, primarily consisting of humanitarian goods like medical supplies and agricultural products.
•Iran's import needs are substantial, with the UN estimating a requirement of 22 million tonnes of cereals this year.
•Iranian negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf announced an understanding to release $12 billion in frozen assets after recent talks in Switzerland.
•President Trump stated, 'This is a humanitarian crisis, and I feel it is necessary to help, NOW, before it is too late.'

United States suggests plan to use unfrozen Iranian assets for buying American agricultural goods as talks aim to cool Middle East tensions . Could funnel $12 billion into limited trade between nations,mostly humanitarian goods.

US and Iran traded heavily before 1979 Islamic Revolution. Sanctions turned partners to rivals. Now Trump team sees chance to restore ties,though Iran cautious about terms .

After Switzerland talks, Iranian negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said they agreed to release $12 billion in frozen assets. But US Vice President JD Vance stressed funds are for American agricultural products,helping US farmers and Iranian people . President Trump echoed,saying essentials like corn and soybeans will come from American fields .

“This is humanitarian crisis, and I feel it is necessary to help, NOW, before it is too late. Talks are going well!”

Still,Iranian officials resist idea of restrictions on funds. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei insists assets will be used freely by Iran,based on its needs and market conditions,not dictated by US.

Conditions on spending could stretch talks. Gary Hufbauer from Peterson Institute warns US Congress opposition might complicate things. Economist Mohammad Reza Farzanegan suggests US might frame this as humanitarian aid,while boosting Trump's domestic image.

Despite tensions,trade link remains. In 2024,total US-Iran trade hit $838 million,up slightly from year before . Mostly humanitarian goods,with US exporting mainly medical supplies and agricultural products .

Analysts skeptical about major trade revival. Iran might buy more corn and soybeans,but big shift to US exports is unlikely. Iran aims to cut reliance on US,given conflict dynamics.

Realistically,trading options might be limited to food,medicine,and some agricultural goods. Iran's import needs are big,with UN estimating it needs about 22 million tonnes of cereals this year,meaning a multi-billion dollar spend.

US-Iran trade ties in limbo,both sides weighing choices amid complex geopolitical landscape…

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