Iran maintains position that all frozen assets must be released without conditions

Iran's deputy national security council official says all Iranian frozen assets must be released unconditionally, rejecting U.S. demands that Tehran first meet nuclear-related commitments. The standoff is one of four key preconditions holding up a memorandum of understanding, leaving markets cautious about an imminent deal. Continued deadlock raises geopolitical risk that could support safe-haven assets (notably gold, XAUUSD) and energy prices if sanctions remain, while limiting any near-term relief that would come from asset releases. The article frames the impasse as a potential market headwind until all preconditions are resolved.