Iran has rejected assertions by the United States that any of its recently released assets would be funneled back to the U.S. for the purchase of American goods, including agricultural products. The dispute emerged as tensions remain high following an incident in the Strait of Hormuz where Iran reportedly struck a vessel, raising concerns about further shipping disruptions.
U.S. President Donald Trump had stated that funds released to Iran by the U.S. Treasury would be placed in escrow and used exclusively for purchasing food and medical supplies from the United States. He specifically mentioned corn, wheat, and soybeans from American farmers as potential purchases.
However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, countered this claim, stating that Iran would make decisions regarding its released assets in a manner that best serves the country's interests. Baghaei indicated that procurement decisions for goods, including those for the agricultural sector, would be based on price and quality, with no imposed restrictions.
Baghaei also commented on the shift in stated objectives, noting, "It is interesting to us that the philosophy and objective of the war, which they previously declared to be the destruction of Iranian civilization and the collapse of Iran, has now been reduced to making American farmers richer."
The recent incident involving a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz has amplified concerns that disruptions to global trade, which have impacted international commerce for months, may not be over. This latest event has renewed worries about the stability of shipping routes in the critical waterway.