In a recent interview with CNN, Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized the critical role of the United States releasing $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets as a pivotal step toward resolving the ongoing Middle East conflict. Rezaei stated, “The negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock. The ball is in Trump’s court.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Iran’s Proposal for Asset Release**
Iran has proposed a phased release of the $24 billion in frozen assets:
– **Immediate Release**: $12 billion to be unfrozen upon signing an interim agreement.
– **Subsequent Release**: An additional $12 billion to follow at a later stage.
Rezaei characterized this proposal as a “test of trust” between the two nations, asserting, “If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump – this is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Potential Challenges in Washington**
The proposal faces potential resistance within the U.S. government. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that releasing these funds could diminish one of the key leverage points available during negotiations. President Trump has been critical of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and has advocated for a more stringent framework in any new agreement. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Warnings Against Escalation**
Rezaei also cautioned against the resurgence of military confrontations, indicating that Iran would broaden its response if attacked again. He stated, “We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases that we have been attacking so far.” He further suggested that any future conflict could extend beyond the Persian Gulf, potentially impacting strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Prospects for Diplomatic Engagement**
Despite these warnings, Rezaei expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a meeting between President Trump and Supreme Leader Khamenei in the near future. He remarked, “This will not happen, right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill. This will not happen.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz**
Rezaei reiterated Iran’s longstanding position regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. He emphasized that Iran and Oman share sovereignty over the waterway and should jointly manage it. He also proposed charging maintenance fees for its management, suggesting that Iran should not bear the financial burden alone. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Background on Mohsen Rezaei**
Mohsen Rezaei is a prominent figure within Iran’s security establishment. A member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ old guard, he served as its commander from 1981 to 1997. Rezaei later joined the Expediency Council, which advises the Supreme Leader, served as vice president under former President Ebrahim Raisi, and has contested several presidential elections. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/24-billion-trust-test-for-trump-khamenei-aide-seeks-frozen-assets-warns-war-could-take-another-dimension/articleshow/131545174.cms?utm_source=openai))
**International Economic Implications**
The ongoing conflict has broader economic implications. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that disruptions from the Iran war are pushing the global economy closer to an “adverse” scenario, characterized by slower growth, tighter financial conditions, and rising inflation risks. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook projected global growth at 3.1 percent for 2026 under its baseline scenario, cautioning that a prolonged conflict could significantly weaken the outlook. Under the “adverse” scenario, global growth could slow to 2.5 percent. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/imf-warns-iran-war-disruptions-are-pushing-global-economy-towards-adverse-scenario-growth-risks-rise/articleshow/131099734.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Conclusion**
The situation remains complex, with diplomatic efforts ongoing and significant challenges ahead. The proposed release of $24 billion in frozen assets by the U.S. is seen as a critical step toward de-escalation, but it faces potential resistance within the U.S. government. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, given the broader economic and geopolitical implications.
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