Iran's requested $30 billion has seen $15 billion already pledged.
Jiemian News confirmed on the 17th: The $30 billion reconstruction fund accompanying the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has received $15 billion in funding commitments, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain as core contributors. Companies from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa are also participating, covering sectors such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation. Trump insists "the U.S. will not pay a single cent," while Vance has set the tone—funding will come from the Gulf states. In return, Iran must abandon its nuclear program, destroy its enriched uranium stockpiles, cut off supplies to Hezbollah and the Houthis, ensure long-term free access to the Strait of Hormuz, and allow U.S. audit for any single expenditure exceeding $5 million; if funds flow toward armed groups, disbursement will be immediately halted.
Yet three hidden landmines remain buried within this "good news."
First, the issue of charging for the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved—U.S. and Iranian positions are still fundamentally incompatible.
Bagae stated Iran intends to charge a "shipping service fee," while Vance and Trump insist on "permanent free access." Iran’s March 30th passed legislation imposing fees still looms overhead, granting free passage to friendly nations but banning U.S. and Israeli vessels—directly contradicting the American narrative.
Second, Russia has already entered the arena by securing contracts for power and water infrastructure reconstruction. Meanwhile, the U.S. is assessing whether to redirect Iran’s frozen assets as compensation to Gulf allies. Tehran now faces two bills: one for rebuilding itself, another possibly for compensating others.
Third, Iran’s defense industry is resuming production far beyond expectations: drone output reaches 200 units per month, capable of full-scale operation within six months; missile inventory retains 70% capacity, launch systems remain 75% functional, and underground missile cities have largely restarted. The U.S. intelligence community’s assertion that Iran “cannot rebuild for years” has been thoroughly disproven.
Thus, the signing in Switzerland on the 19th is merely the opening act. The real battlefield lies in the 60-day technical negotiations—covering nuclear verification details, disbursement schedules, classification of Strait of Hormuz fees, and standards for cutting off proxy support. Each clause could instantly freeze this fund currently reported as having "already received $15 billion."
Gulf states provide capital, the U.S. steers the process, Iran stakes its sovereignty, Russia rebuilds ruins, and Iran’s military-industrial complex continues expanding. This so-called "reconstruction agreement" should be understood as the countdown timer for a new round of Middle Eastern power struggle—just pressed start.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868220165729353/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.