The U.S. State Department has stressed discussion between Seoul and Washington in relation to the reported release of Iranian funds held in South Korea under U.S. sanctions. 

In a press briefing on Tuesday, department spokesperson Ned Price refused to confirm the report that South Korea has agreed to release part of the Iranian funds in principle and is now awaiting Washington's approval. 

Price said that he doesn't have a comment on the matter because there has been no transfer of funds, adding that the U.S. would rather not comment on negotiations between other countries.    

However, the spokesperson said that South Korea, a key ally of the U.S., is very much a partner when it comes to sanctions enforcement. 

He added that it would not be a surprise to hear that the U.S. discusses these issues broadly with South Korea.