Trump Rejects Unfreezing Iranian Assets Amid Growing US Pressure on Pakistan

US President Donald Trump has rejected repeated requests from Pakistan and Qatar to unfreeze approximately $12 billion in Iranian assets. According to Israel's Channel 14, these requests were made with the stated goal of promoting stability in the Middle East, but Trump maintains that economic pressure on Tehran must continue. Washington believes that the foreign currency and liquidity crisis in Iran remains a primary lever of pressure against the regime. Simultaneously, frustration is growing in Washington toward Pakistan due to its expanding trade with Iran. Some Republican officials are reportedly considering punitive measures against Islamabad. Reports suggest that while Pakistan presents itself as a mediator, it has a direct financial interest in the success of these efforts, as a previously reported secret agreement would grant Pakistan a percentage of any Iranian funds successfully released.