US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Trump Plans to Use Frozen Assets
Iran's Strong Reaction to US Asset Seizure
Following President Donald Trump's announcement regarding the use of frozen Iranian funds to compensate for damages to ships and cargo in the Gulf region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed strong opposition. He described the action as perilous and destabilizing, labeling it an "incendiary precedent." Araghchi cautioned that appropriating a nation's assets for unrelated future claims threatens global financial stability. He emphasized on social media, "Once governments normalize confiscation, no one's assets are secure. The resulting chaos will be neither pretty nor peaceful."
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Trump's Statement on Iranian Funds
Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that any damages incurred by ships or cargo would be compensated using Iranian money currently held by the US. He declared, "Let this statement serve as notice that from now on, all damages related to ships and cargo will be paid for by Iranian funds in our possession."
Continued US Military Actions Against Iran
On Thursday night, the US military initiated its 13th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military installations. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that these operations commenced at 6:45 PM ET, aimed at holding Iran accountable and reducing threats posed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping. Reports from Iran's Fars news agency indicated multiple explosions in Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province, and in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
Trump Hints at Larger Military Operations
In earlier remarks, Trump suggested he was contemplating a significant escalation of military actions, potentially larger than those executed during Operation Epic Fury. He mentioned in an interview, "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it." However, two US officials clarified that no final decision had been reached and no new military orders had been issued.