US President Donald Trump said frozen Iranian assets under US control could be used to compensate for future damage to ships and cargo, following renewed concerns over maritime security.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that any future damage to ships, cargo or related maritime property could be compensated using Iranian assets currently frozen under US control.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said the funds would be used to cover losses linked to any future incidents involving commercial shipping.
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“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.
He added that the compensation could involve significant sums but argued the move would be justified.
“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” the post said.
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Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding maritime security and commercial shipping routes, with concerns over potential disruptions to global trade and energy supplies. His comments signal that the US administration is considering the use of frozen Iranian assets as a potential source of compensation for any future losses linked to shipping incidents.
The statement did not specify how such a policy would be implemented or under what legal authority the funds would be distributed. The White House has not released additional details explaining the mechanism for using the frozen assets, and there has been no immediate response from Iranian officials.
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Frozen Iranian assets have long been the subject of legal and diplomatic disputes, with portions of the funds tied to sanctions, court rulings and ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump’s latest comments are expected to draw international attention as governments and shipping operators continue to monitor developments affecting key maritime trade routes.
