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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Vance: US Maintains Iran Sanctions Except Oil Restrictions Until Tehran Complies
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the US maintains sanctions against Iran except for oil export restrictions, and will not release any of Iran's estimated $100-200 billion in frozen assets abroad until Tehran complies with its obligations. He warned that all concessions could be revoked if Iran fails to meet the terms of the agreement.
Quick Facts
Who
JD Vance
What
US maintains sanctions against Iran
When
June 18, 2026
Where
White House
- US maintains sanctions against Iran
- Oil export sanctions suspended
- Frozen Iranian assets held abroad
- Conditional release of assets pending Iranian compliance
- Threat to reinstate all sanctions if agreement terms not met
US Vice President JD Vance announced at a White House press conference on June 18 that the United States will maintain sanctions against Iran with the exception of restrictions on oil exports. Vance stated that no Iranian frozen assets will be released until Tehran fulfills its obligations under an agreement, emphasizing the stringent conditions Washington has imposed.
The frozen Iranian assets abroad could total between $100 billion and $200 billion, according to Vance's remarks. He noted that most of these funds are held outside United States accounts, with holdings in the Gulf region, Europe, and elsewhere. "We're not releasing a single dollar of that money until the Iranians perform," Vance declared, indicating multiple pathways through which Iran could demonstrate compliance.
Vance explained that oil export sanctions are no longer in effect because they had become ineffective in achieving their stated purpose of reducing Iranian oil prices. All other sanctions remain in force pending Iranian compliance with the agreement terms. The vice president made clear that if Iran fails to meet its obligations, all concessions could be rescinded and every sanction would be reinstated. "No sanctions will come off unless they perform the benefit of the bargain, and every sanction will come back on," he stated, underscoring the administration's conditional approach to Iran policy.
Why This Matters
This statement clarifies the Trump-Vance administration's conditional approach to Iran policy, signaling that despite easing oil export restrictions, the US will maintain economic pressure through asset freezes until Iran demonstrably complies with undisclosed agreement terms. For investors, financial institutions, and policymakers, this means frozen Iranian assets will remain inaccessible, and the risk of broader sanctions reinstatement remains high if negotiations falter—directly affecting oil markets, banking relationships, and geopolitical stability in the Middle East.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireJD Vance announces at White House press conference that US maintains Iran sanctions except oil restrictions
Jun 18, 2026
WireVance states US will not unfreeze Iranian assets until Tehran fulfills obligations
Jun 18, 2026
WireVance clarifies that oil sanctions are no longer effective and suspended