U.S. Considers Involving Allies in $300 Billion Iran Reconstruction Fund

President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly discussing the involvement of allied nations, including South Korea and Japan, in a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. Concerns have been raised that, despite initiating conflict with airstrikes against Iran, the U.S. may shift the burden of post-war negotiations onto its allies as it finds itself in a difficult position.
The Financial Times reported on June 15, citing a senior U.S. official, that discussions during the ceasefire negotiations include the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and establishing a $300 billion fund for its reconstruction. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) released by Iran's Mehr News Agency on June 12 included a provision for a reconstruction plan of at least $300 billion from the U.S. and its allies as a condition for peace.
In a CBS interview, U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that discussions about the reconstruction fund are underway, stating that Iran must fulfill its obligations to engage in the process.
A source familiar with the negotiations told the Financial Times that the establishment of the reconstruction fund depends on the final agreement included in the MOU, which will follow the extension of the 60-day ceasefire, the reopening of the Hormuz Strait, and subsequent nuclear negotiations.
According to the MOU, the U.S. and Iran will prioritize the reopening of the Hormuz Strait before continuing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and the easing of sanctions. Therefore, even if the reconstruction fund is established, it is likely to occur only after progress is made on normalizing the Hormuz Strait, the nuclear agreement, and the final peace agreement.
The Financial Times noted that the fund is expected to be raised not through direct contributions from governments but rather from companies looking to invest in Iran's energy sector. However, the specific operational structure and management of the fund have yet to be determined.
A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that many European, Asian, South Korean, and Japanese companies, as well as U.S. firms, are showing interest. "If sanctions are lifted, this fund could be substantial and grow significantly," the source said.
The question of whether the U.S. will provide financial support to Iran as part of the peace agreement has been a contentious issue throughout the negotiations. President Trump has previously criticized the Obama administration's Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) as akin to 'cash payments,' and he is keen to avoid any appearance of providing compensation to Iran.
On the same day, Trump dismissed rumors on Truth Social that the U.S. would pay Iran $300 million, calling it fake news propagated by Democrats. However, some observers suggest that the financial incentives currently under discussion could exceed the level of sanctions relief provided during the Obama administration. The Financial Times cited sources familiar with the negotiations, stating that all sanctions relief, including the release of frozen Iranian assets abroad, will be implemented gradually according to the MOU. The easing of sanctions is expected to depend on the progress of nuclear negotiations and the final agreement.
Senior U.S. officials have also indicated that limited financial relief measures could be offered in the early stages to build trust. One official told the Financial Times, "Sanctions relief is not specifically tied to particular actions but is generally linked to Iran's appropriate behavior. Clearly, our top priority is the nuclear program."
However, if the U.S. demands participation from allies like South Korea and Japan in funding the reconstruction of Iran, it may face criticism for shifting the burden onto its allies as the initiator of the conflict.

* This article has been translated by AI.