The United States confirmed it had signed off on the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds from South Korea, but noted that it doesn't mean that the sanctions imposed against Iran are being lifted in some way or relieved.
"We have not lifted any of our sanctions on Iran, and Iran is not receiving any sanctions relief," the State Department spokesperson said.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani insisted that the money will allow the Islamic republic to "purchase all non-sanctioned goods" which are not limited to food and medicine.
"We hope that this transfer will be completed in the coming days and that Iran will have full access to its assets," Kanani said.