Iran says released assets can be used for wide range of imports

Iran's central bank governor said funds released under the emerging agreement with the United States will not necessarily be restricted to essential goods, suggesting Tehran expects broader access to international trade than previously understood.

According to Tasnim News Agency, the governor said Iran would be able to use the released assets to purchase other non-sanctioned goods in addition to basic necessities.

The comments come just hours after Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said arrangements for the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets had been finalized during talks with US officials in Switzerland.