Iran’s blocked billions

Tough U.S. sanctions mean billions of dollars of revenues owed to Iran, mostly from its oil and gas exports, are frozen in foreign banks


IRANIAN FUNDS FROZEN DUE TO U.S. SANCTIONS (estimates) 

Japan: $1.5bn
Luxembourg: $1.6bn 
Iraq: $6bn

South Korea: $7bn 
Jan 4: Iran seizes South Korean chemical tanker in Strait of Hormuz, claiming it is polluting its waters

China: $20bn 
Total: $36.1bn

Remaining $60bn+ includes $400 million ($1.43bn with inflation) Iran paid to U.S. for military equipment that was never delivered after 1979 Islamic Revolution, plus other cash and real estate such as 650 Fifth Avenue, billion-dollar skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan

$100bn
Estimated value of Iran’s frozen foreign funds*


MT Hankuk Chemi being escorted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats


U.S. has long history of sanctioning Iran, beginning in 1979 and continuing every decade, as officials repeatedly accuse Iran of backing terrorist groups or flouting agreements. President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions in 2018


*Sum open to conjecture


Sources: Reuters, Los Angeles Times  
Picture: AP 
© GRAPHIC NEWS