UAE: The United Arab Emirates has categorically denied a Reuters report that it agreed to release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds, saying no such transfer has taken place.
“The UAE affirms that these allegations are entirely false and unfounded, stressing that no frozen Iranian funds have been released, transferred, or facilitated through the UAE,” the Emirati Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The ministry called on media outlets to exercise “accuracy,” rely on official sources, and refrain from publishing “unverified information and unfounded allegations”.
The denial came after Reuters, citing four sources, reported that the UAE had agreed to release billions of dollars to Iran during the final stages of ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington to end the war.
According to two regional sources, the UAE had agreed to release approximately $10 billion, with more than $3 billion already provided to Iran. Two other sources familiar with the agreement said the total amount could reach $20 billion, describing the measure as an exchange for halting Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE.
It remained unclear whether the funds originated from the UAE’s own coffers or consisted of Iranian assets held in the Emirati banking system. An Emirati official had earlier told Reuters that the country was taking steps to reduce tensions and promote peace in the region.
The Emirati Foreign Ministry rejected these claims, including “allegations concerning $3 billion,” stating they are “incorrect and not based on any facts”. The ministry emphasized that no frozen Iranian funds have been released or transferred through the country.
