CNN: Iran urges US to ease sanctions, unlock $20 billion in frozen assets

Iran has asked the United States to significantly ease sanctions pressure on the country and unfreeze approximately $20 billion in assets, CNN reports, citing a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

According to the report, the request was made within the framework of diplomatic contacts aimed at resolving tensions between the two sides.

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale operation against Iran on February 28. On April 8, US President Donald Trump announced a mutual two-week ceasefire with the Islamic Republic.

On April 11, the two countries held several rounds of talks in Islamabad. Later, both Tehran and Washington said the parties failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement due to a number of disagreements.

It remains unclear whether a new round of consultations will take place. The United States began a naval blockade of Iran on April 13.

By Jeyhun Aghazada