A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran includes a plan to establish a $300 billion private reconstruction fund for Iran, with over half of the total amount already pledged, according to sources familiar with the agreement.
On June 16, Reuters reported that the MOU outlines the creation of this fund, with more than half of the funds already committed. The Financial Times had previously reported that U.S. officials indicated discussions about the fund were part of negotiations to ease sanctions on Iran. The FT highlighted interest from companies in Asia, Europe, and the United States, including South Korean firms. A source familiar with the negotiations stated, "Many European companies, as well as firms from Asia, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., are showing interest. If sanctions are lifted, this fund could grow significantly."
Reuters further detailed that companies from the U.S., Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa have agreed to provide over $150 billion in funding. Companies from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the U.S. are among those mentioned as having pledged contributions, although the complete list has not been disclosed.
This fund is described as a "private investment vehicle" rather than a conventional reconstruction or compensation program. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will not provide immediate funding to Iran, dismissing reports about potential U.S. investments in Iran as "ridiculous."
Investment areas include energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation. Reuters noted that this fund operates independently of negotiations regarding the lifting of U.S. sanctions or the release of frozen assets abroad.
However, the fund will not be established immediately. Sources indicated that it will be created only after the final agreement is signed, with fund managers collaborating with Iran and investors over the next 60 days to outline the scope and detailed plans for the projects.
The fund's proposal also serves as an economic incentive for both the U.S. and Iran to reach a final agreement. Iran had initially demanded $400 billion from the U.S. for war reparations, but after the U.S. rejected direct compensation, the private investment fund emerged as an alternative.
Iran to Allow Oil Exports
Separately, Iran is expected to receive some sanctions relief related to oil exports shortly after signing the MOU on June 19. A Trump administration official told Axios that the agreement includes a temporary sanctions waiver allowing Iran to sell oil while subsequent negotiations continue.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the U.S. plans to waive existing sanctions to permit the export of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products immediately after the MOU is formally signed. The waiver will reportedly cover not only oil sales but also related services such as financial transactions, maritime transport, and insurance.
However, the U.S. has made it clear that any economic benefits for Iran are contingent on performance. Iran must comply with agreements regarding the abandonment of nuclear weapons, the handling of enriched uranium, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to receive the benefits outlined in the MOU.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized in a Fox News interview that Iran will not be able to enjoy any benefits from this agreement if it does not act appropriately.
The official signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Bürgenstock, Nidwalden, Switzerland. Bürgenstock is a resort overlooking Lake Lucerne and has hosted major international events, including the 2024 Ukraine Peace Conference.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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