Washington, June 7, 2026 — The United States is considering using frozen Iranian assets to help rebuild Gulf allies and cover future damages attributed to Tehran, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The proposal emerged amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region. According to reports by Reuters, Bessent has directed officials to assess the extent of economic and infrastructure damage suffered by Washington’s Gulf partners as a result of Iranian actions. The findings could serve as the basis for determining whether seized Iranian assets can be used for compensation and reconstruction efforts.
Assessment of Damages Underway
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the US Treasury Department is exploring legal and financial mechanisms to channel frozen Iranian funds toward assisting allied Gulf states. The review reportedly includes both past damages and any future losses that may arise from Iranian military or proxy activities in the region.
US officials are said to be examining the full range of available tools to ensure that Gulf partners can access compensation funds if further damage occurs.
Reports by US Media
The issue has also been reported by the New York Post and Fox News. Citing unnamed sources, both outlets stated that the Treasury Department intends to use “all available instruments” to make Iranian assets available for reconstruction and recovery efforts in allied Gulf countries affected by Tehran’s actions.
The reports suggest that Washington is increasingly linking Iran’s frozen assets to broader regional security concerns and the costs borne by its partners in the Middle East.
Iranian Demand for Asset Release
The US deliberations come a day after Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, publicly called for the release of Iranian funds frozen abroad.
In an interview with CNN, Rezaei said that any future peace agreement would largely depend on the unfreezing of approximately $24 billion in Iranian assets currently held overseas.
His remarks underscored Tehran’s longstanding demand for access to its frozen funds, which Iran argues are essential for economic recovery and the implementation of any diplomatic settlement.
Rising Regional Tensions
The development comes amid heightened military and diplomatic tensions in the Gulf. Recent incidents involving Iranian drones, missile launches, and US military responses have raised concerns about regional stability and the possibility of further escalation.
Analysts say the debate over frozen Iranian assets could become a significant point of contention in future negotiations between Washington and Tehran, particularly as both sides seek leverage in any potential diplomatic or security arrangements.
Uncertain Legal Path
While the proposal remains under consideration, legal experts note that redirecting sovereign assets for compensation purposes could face substantial legal and diplomatic challenges. Any decision would likely require extensive review under US and international law.
For now, the Treasury Department has not announced any formal policy change, but the discussions signal a tougher US approach toward Iran as regional tensions continue to intensify.
