Trump says frozen Iranian assets will pay for ship damage
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States will use Iranian funds held under U.S. control to compensate any future damages to ships, cargo or related property caused by attacks in the Gulf, Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. He described the measure as “fair and equitable” even if the losses are “very substantial.”
The statement came as the U.S. carried out its 13th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military targets and amid Houthi‑backed attacks on Saudi oil tankers, which pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel. Iran’s foreign minister warned that seizing another nation’s assets to pay unrelated claims sets a “dangerous precedent.” Estimates of the frozen Iranian assets range from roughly $100 billion to $167 billion. Trump also hinted at considering a larger military operation against Iran, saying the country “needs more pain” before abandoning its nuclear ambitions.