The United Arab Emirates has categorically dismissed media reports alleging that billions of dollars in frozen funds were transferred to Iran, calling the claims completely baseless and without foundation. The firm denial from Abu Dhabi comes at a time when international attention has focused on ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at easing regional tensions and addressing longstanding concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong rebuke of the reports, specifically addressing claims that three billion dollars had been transferred to the Islamic Republic. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the ministry emphasized that no Iranian funds had been released, transferred, or channeled through Emirati financial systems.

“The United Arab Emirates has categorically denied reports published by certain international media outlets alleging the transfer of funds from the UAE to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including allegations concerning USD 3 billion,” the ministry stated. The official communication stressed that the allegations were entirely false and unfounded, leaving no room for ambiguity in the government’s position.

The denial also included a pointed message to international media organizations, urging them to verify information through proper official channels before publication. The ministry called on news outlets to exercise greater accuracy and rely on credible official sources rather than circulating unverified claims. This appeal highlights growing concerns among Gulf states about the spread of misinformation regarding sensitive diplomatic and financial matters in the region.

The UAE’s statement arrives in the context of broader diplomatic developments involving Iran and Western powers. The claims about fund transfers had emerged amid reports of ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, discussions that reportedly focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s controversial nuclear activities. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, has been a recurring flashpoint for regional tensions.

US Vice President JD Vance also moved to counter what he characterized as misleading information circulating about a potential agreement with Iran. In his own statement on social media, Vance directly addressed speculation that Tehran would receive immediate financial benefits merely for signing a peace agreement with the United States.

“I’m seeing a lot of fake information about a potential deal to reopen the Strait and end Iran’s nuclear weapons program,” Vance wrote. He clarified that Iran would not receive cash payments or access to frozen funds simply for signing an agreement or participating in negotiations.

According to the Vice President, any proposed arrangement has been carefully structured to prioritize American and allied interests. Under the framework he described, Iran would only gain access to economic benefits after demonstrating compliance with its obligations under the agreement. Vance characterized the potential deal as having the capacity to transform the region and establish lasting peace, though he provided few specific details about the terms being discussed.

The dual denials from both Abu Dhabi and Washington underscore the sensitivity surrounding financial matters related to Iran, particularly frozen assets that have become a recurring point of contention in international negotiations. Over the years, billions of dollars in Iranian funds have been frozen in various countries as part of sanctions regimes targeting Tehran’s nuclear program and regional activities.

The timing of these statements is significant as regional powers navigate complex diplomatic terrain. The UAE, which has developed closer ties with Iran in recent years despite historical tensions, appears keen to distance itself from any perception that it is serving as a financial conduit for the Iranian government. Meanwhile, the United States continues to balance pressure on Iran with diplomatic overtures aimed at preventing nuclear escalation and ensuring maritime security in critical waterways.

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, officials from both the UAE and United States are working to manage public perception and counter narratives they view as inaccurate. The emphasis on verifying information through official channels reflects broader concerns about misinformation affecting diplomatic processes and potentially undermining sensitive negotiations on issues critical to regional stability and global energy security.