Iran says it can freely use released funds amid negotiations

• Iran says it is free to use any unfrozen funds without restrictions or external conditions.
• Tehran denies any meetings with the IAEA chief and rejects claims of planned nuclear inspections.
• Foreign Ministry criticizes Western and regional positions, saying mediation continues indirectly.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country retains full freedom to use any frozen assets that may be released, insisting there will be no external conditions governing their use.

In a statement, the ministry said negotiations are based on “respect and adherence to reality,” warning that what it described as “arrogant rhetoric” could undermine progress in any potential agreement.

It also denied reports of a meeting with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Switzerland and said there are no plans for inspections of nuclear facilities it says were previously targeted in attacks.

The ministry added that it has “no restrictions” on the use of unfrozen funds, while confirming that exemptions related to oil sales have already been implemented.

Criticizing European states for what it called sidelining their role on Iran, the ministry said they must change their approach if they want to remain relevant in international affairs.

On the negotiations, it said no direct contact with US officials took place after the first four-way meeting in Switzerland on Sunday, with communication continuing only through intermediaries.