President Donald Trump announced a new policy Thursday aimed at responding to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, declaring that funds under U.S. control belonging to Iran will be used to pay for damage caused to vessels and cargo.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that, until further notice, any losses suffered by commercial ships or related cargo due to Iranian actions would be covered using Iranian money that the United States currently possesses and controls.
“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 wrote.
The president acknowledged that the financial costs could be significant but argued that using Iranian funds to compensate for the damage was the appropriate course of action.
“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” Trump added before signing the statement, “President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The announcement came as tensions in the region continued to escalate following new attacks on commercial shipping.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen successfully struck two Saudi ships in the Red Sea, an attack that helped push oil prices back above $100 per barrel.
Earlier in the week, the Houthis announced a blockade targeting Saudi oil, raising fresh concerns about the security of vital maritime trade routes.
The attacks intensified fears throughout global energy markets that shipping traffic in both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz could face further disruption.
For months, Iran has disrupted activity in the Strait of Hormuz through attacks on commercial vessels, effectively hindering traffic through one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors.
The latest developments have heightened concerns over the stability of international shipping lanes as commercial vessels continue operating in the region amid ongoing hostilities.
Trump’s announcement represents an effort to respond financially to the continued attacks, with the administration proposing that compensation for damaged ships and cargo come directly from Iranian assets controlled by the United States rather than from American taxpayers or other sources.
The policy was unveiled as Trump continued signaling that additional military action against Iran remains under consideration.
In comments to Axios on Thursday, the president said he was weighing a significantly larger military operation against the Islamic Republic.
“I am considering a massive attack,” Trump said. “Bigger than ever before.”
Trump also indicated that a decision could come soon, telling Axios reporter Barak Ravid that preparations were already in place should he choose to move forward.
“I am close to making a decision,” the president said. “We are all set for it.”
The remarks underscore the administration’s increasingly forceful posture toward Iran as attacks on commercial shipping continue to threaten maritime traffic and global energy markets.
Trump has not announced a final decision regarding additional military action, but his latest comments and policy announcement signal that the administration is pursuing both financial and military options in response to the ongoing attacks in the region.
