In brief
A flight from Abu Dhabi to Tehran on June 8 or 9 reportedly carried $3 billion in unfrozen Iranian assets, despite airspace restrictions.
The transfer was reportedly conditioned on Iran halting military attacks on Israel, with a US guarantee that Israel would limit operations in Lebanon.
The American message was delivered on Monday via a Qatari delegation, according to the Kan report.
Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly rejected what he called an attempt by Iran and Hezbollah to impose new terms linking Israeli actions in Lebanon to the ceasefire.
No government in Iran, the UAE, the US, or Qatar has confirmed the asset transfer or the reported deal, leaving the claims unverified.
- 9 JunQatari delegation delivers US message to Iran
- 9 JunPlane with assets lands at Tehran airport in the morning
- 9 JunNetanyahu addresses public, rejects Iran-Hezbollah 'equation'
The reported deal
Iran suspended its military attacks on Israel after the United States agreed to release $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets, according to a report by the Israeli public broadcaster Kan, which cited a news agency linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The funds were transported on a flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to Tehran.
“Iran agreed to stop the attacks against Israel after the US unfroze 3 billion dollars of Iranian assets.”
The American message, delivered on Monday via a Qatari delegation, also reportedly included a guarantee that Israel would limit its attacks in Lebanon. The plane carrying the assets landed at Tehran's airport on Tuesday morning, despite flight restrictions in Iranian airspace.
Ceasefire context
On Sunday night, an exchange of fire occurred between Iran and Israel following an Israeli strike on the Dahieh district of Beirut. Both sides subsequently announced a cessation of hostilities. The Revolutionary Guards' Emergency Command stated that the suspension of armed forces operations was in effect, but warned of harsher measures if aggression continued, including in southern Lebanon.
“We announce the suspension of the armed forces' operations. However, if the aggression and provocations continue, including what is happening in southern Lebanon, much harsher and more overwhelming measures will follow.”
Netanyahu's response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the public hours later, rejecting what he described as a new equation imposed by Iran and Hezbollah. He stated that the attempt to dictate terms over Israeli operations in Lebanon was unacceptable and would not be accepted.
“In the last 24 hours, Iran and Hezbollah tried to impose a new equation on us. It is unacceptable and I will not accept it.”
Regional diplomacy
Western media outlet IntelWatch made a similar claim, confirming that the transfer of unfrozen funds was executed on June 8. The report suggested the move aimed to build trust with Iran and prevent a wider regional conflict. Western sources indicated that several Gulf countries are seeking to improve relations and restore trust with Tehran, with the possibility that the UAE may make concessions to strengthen bilateral ties with Iran.
Unconfirmed reports
No official authority in Iran, the UAE, the United States, or Qatar has confirmed the claims. The information remains unverified journalistic reports, sourced primarily from the Kan report and the Iranian-linked agency. If confirmed, the development would represent significant progress toward a potential agreement between the warring parties.