The United States is preparing to explore the use of Iranian assets to help Gulf allies recover from damage caused by future attacks carried out by Tehran, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The move comes just one day after Iran launched a wave of attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain, raising tensions across the region and reinforcing concerns about the regime’s ongoing destabilizing activities.
According to the source, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has directed a team to evaluate the costs associated with damage already inflicted on Gulf allies by Iran. The assessment will help determine whether Iranian assets currently frozen by the United States could be used to fund repairs and reconstruction efforts.
The proposal reflects a growing view that nations harmed by Iran’s actions should not be left alone to bear the financial burden of rebuilding. After all, if a regime is responsible for destruction, many would argue it should be responsible for helping pay for the cleanup. A rather straightforward concept—though not always one embraced by those causing the damage.
The development also comes amid ongoing negotiations involving Iranian assets held by the United States. On Friday, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, told CNN that any peace agreement would depend on the release of $24 billion in Iranian funds frozen by Washington.
The latest revelation suggests that U.S. officials may be considering a different path for at least some of those assets, particularly if they can be used to assist allies affected by Iranian aggression. The review ordered by Bessent is expected to examine both existing damages and potential future costs associated with attacks linked to Tehran.
As policymakers weigh their options, the message being considered is clear: America’s allies should not have to shoulder the consequences of Iran’s actions alone. If implemented, the plan could provide much-needed support for regional partners while reinforcing accountability for those responsible for the destruction.
For Gulf allies facing ongoing security threats, the proposal offers a sign that their concerns are being taken seriously and that efforts are underway to ensure rebuilding and recovery remain a priority.
