Tehran, June 15 -- Iran's frozen assets worth USD 12 billion continue to be a primary bone of contention even as the world celebrates a peace deal between the US and Tehran, which is scheduled to be signed on Friday in Geneva.

According to Iran's Mehr news agency, which cited a 14-point memorandum of understanding, the US has agreed to release the frozen assets before the start of negotiations, which focus on key issues including Tehran's nuclear programme.

The document published by Mehr stipulates "the release of 24 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiation period" that begins after the memorandum of understanding is concluded. Furthermore, the text, which has not been officially confirmed, specifies that "...