US President Donald Trump has said Washington will use Iranian assets under its control to pay for ships and cargo damaged in attacks in and around the Gulf, escalating his threat to make Tehran financially responsible for disruption to commercial shipping. “Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to ships, cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian money that the United States has in its possession, and controls,” Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday.
The announcement comes as the conflict involving the US and Iran continues to threaten commercial shipping and disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Recent attacks on commercial vessels have already prompted heightened security measures, sanctions and major concerns over the movement of oil and other cargoes through the Gulf.
The US has long frozen Iranian assets as part of its sanctions regime. Trump’s statement appears to signal that Washington intends to use assets it controls to cover losses linked to attacks, although he did not specify which funds would be used, how compensation would be administered or whether the policy has been formally authorised under US law.
The move adds a new financial dimension to the escalating confrontation. The US Treasury has already intensified sanctions against Iranian networks accused of supporting attacks and helping Tehran evade restrictions, including measures targeting shipping and financial networks.