US Considers Leveraging Iranian Assets to Aid Gulf Reconstruction Efforts

The U.S. Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of mobilizing Iranian assets to fund reconstruction in Gulf countries affected by attacks attributed to Tehran during the ongoing conflict. According to a source close to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the department will investigate all legal avenues to make these assets available for rebuilding infrastructure and covering repair costs from future damage tied to Iranian actions.

Bessent has directed Treasury officials to collect detailed assessments from Gulf partners on the financial impact of damage linked to Iranian activities since the conflict began.

The department is also examining whether Iranian assets could be used to help finance repairs for losses that Gulf states have already incurred during the war.

It remains unclear which types of assets might be utilized, ranging from frozen Iranian financial holdings to physical assets such as oil tankers.

The issue comes as indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue. Tehran has maintained that lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen assets overseas would be essential components of any future agreement.

Since the war erupted in late February, Iran has carried out periodic missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

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