Iran says US committed to compensations, releasing frozen funds under deal
Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday that Tehran still holds "deep mistrust" of the United States despite an agreed framework aimed at ending the war.
"Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that Iran's deep mistrust of the United States stems from long history of wrongdoing by American leaders," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing.
"The United States still has a long way to go before it can earn the trust of the Iranian people," he noted, adding that the framework was "merely a step toward reducing tensions and end a war" which broke out late February.
The ministry said the United States had committed to releasing Iran's frozen funds abroad and compensating it for damages during the war under a framework deal.
"The release of the frozen Iranian assets as well as the reparations for damages are two essential points. The American side has committed to taking measures in both areas," said Baqaei.
Iran would charge maritime service fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, rather than imposing tolls.
"We have always maintained that we do not seek to collect transit tolls, but fees for navigation services, environmental protection, ship insurance and other necessary services will be charged," Baqaei said.
The foreign ministry said it would seek ratification from the U.N. Security Council after it negotiates a final agreement covering its nuclear program.
"The final agreement is expected to be endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution after a period of 60 days."
Vice President JD Vance meanwhile said that the US expects Iran will not charge tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but that the issue would be discussed as part of the new peace deal.
Asked on CNBC if there was an understanding with Iran that the crucial waterway would reopen toll-free for just an initial period of 60 days or longer term, Vance said: "Our expectation is that the strait is going to be opened in a toll-free way for the long term, and that's the sort of thing that we're going to figure out in these technical negotiations."
Source: Agence France Presse
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