Trump Says Future Maritime Damages Will Be Paid Using US-Controlled Iranian Assets

July 24, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump said that any future damages to ships, cargo or related property will be paid using Iranian funds held under US control.

“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 in a post on Truth Social.

“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” Trump wrote.

The US President did not specify what types of incidents would qualify for compensation using Iranian assets.

Statement Comes Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Trump’s remarks came as the United States continued airstrikes against Iran amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns over regional security, particularly around key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and commercial shipping.

Trump Says Iran Not Ready for Nuclear Deal

Earlier, Trump said Iran was “not ready to make a deal” over its nuclear programme despite facing heavy military pressure. He asserted that Tehran continued to change its negotiating position while reiterating that the United States remained determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Paying tribute to four American service members killed in the conflict with Iran, Trump, at a campaign-style rally in Georgia on Wednesday (local time), defended his administration’s military and diplomatic approach towards Tehran while portraying the confrontation as part of a broader effort to restore American strength abroad.

US Vows to Protect Maritime Interests

“The stock market has set — and that’s what this skirmish we have going on. I call it a skirmish. This is what this skirmish we have with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said.

“This is despite this, it’s going on. The stock market has hit 73 all-time highs since the election,” he added, linking the military confrontation with what he described as continued economic confidence in the United States.

Trump’s latest remarks signal that the US administration intends to hold Iran financially accountable for any future maritime losses linked to the ongoing conflict, although no additional legal or procedural details have yet been announced.