President Donald Trump reiterated on Tuesday that proceeds from any unfrozen Iranian assets could finance grain shipments, reviving a market American farmers have not seen since the 1979 revolution. The promise sparked cautious optimism among growers and traders still reeling from tariff shocks and a stalled China deal, as they eye potential significant domestic U.S. corn, wheat and soybeans.

Iran’s foreign ministry said roughly $12 billion in frozen funds will be released in two equal installments, but it insists the money can be spent “freely” rather than earmarked for U.S. crops. The arrangement conflicts with the cease‑fire memorandum that leaves payment discretion to Iran’s central bank, prompting analysts such as Stone X’s Arlan Suderman to label the prospect “skeptical” given limited port and storage capacity.

Grain futures reacted modestly; corn and wheat prices slipped for a third consecutive session while soybean contracts held steady. With oil prices falling and U.S. crops enjoying near‑ideal weather, any escrow‑controlled shipments to Iran would provide a modest price lift but remain contingent on diplomatic clearance and Iran’s ability to move the grain inland.