U.S. Plans to Tap Iranian Assets to Compensate Gulf Allies for Future Attacks

The Trump administration is preparing to use frozen Iranian assets to help rebuild and repair U.S. allies in the Gulf in the event of any future Iranian attack, according to a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s thinking.

“Treasury will utilize all tools available to allow Iranian assets to be made available to our Gulf allies to support rebuilding and repairs for any future damage caused by Iran,” the source told ABC News.

The move is part of a broader administration effort to intensify economic pressure on Tehran. The assets that could be repurposed include not only frozen funds but also ships already seized by the United States, the source added. The administration is currently reaching out to Gulf partners to assess their needs and potential damage estimates.

The reported plan comes amid heightened military tensions. Iran on Sunday “strongly” condemned recent U.S. strikes on radar and coastal surveillance sites in the Sirik area and on Qeshm Island, calling the attacks a “clear violation” of an April 8 ceasefire.

In a statement, Iran said the targeted surveillance facilities were critical to protecting the country’s borders and ensuring the safety of navigation in international waterways. Tehran accused Washington of “hostile and provocative behavior” and of demonstrating “complete disregard for the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Iran also warned that the United States was exposing regional security to “serious risks” through what it called “adventurous actions.” The statement concluded that the U.S. government “will bear responsibility for all consequences and repercussions arising from these illegal actions as well as any potential escalation of tensions.”