Iranian assets will pay for future damage to ships, cargo amid war: Trump WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump on Thursday said he will use Iranian assets under U.S. control to pay for any future damage to ships and cargo caused by Tehran, an announcement that seeks to make Iran financially responsible for disruptions to global shipping. "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 on Truth Social. "These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do," he added. The news comes as the U.S. military continues strikes against Iranian military targets and seeks to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten commercial vessels transiting key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has disrupted maritime traffic and raised concerns about global energy supplies and international trade. According to the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, the military force redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one to stop ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas since resuming the naval blockade against Iran nine days ago. Trump did not specify how much Iranian money the U.S. currently controls or explain the legal authority under which the funds would be used to compensate shipowners or cargo interests. The Treasury Department has frozen Iranian assets and imposed sweeping sanctions targeting Iran's military, oil exports, and financial networks as part of the administration's "Economic Fury" campaign. It was not immediately clear whether the administration plans to establish a formal claims process or seek congressional approval for using the funds. The White House also did not immediately provide