The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The United States is considering redirecting Iranian assets to Gulf countries to help cover damages caused by recent Iranian attacks, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
According to the report, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has instructed a team to assess the cost of damages inflicted on U.S. allies in the Gulf, including Kuwait and Bahrain. The United States may also use Iranian assets to fund repairs for any future destruction.
The development comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high following a series of military exchanges. Iran recently launched drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. interests and allies in the region, prompting retaliatory strikes by U.S. forces.
A day earlier, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, told CNN that a potential peace agreement depends on the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets frozen by the United States.
The reported move by Washington could further strain an already fragile ceasefire between the two sides, as both countries continue limited military engagements despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, carrying what he described as a “special letter” for Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
In parallel developments, U.S. forces struck Iranian radar installations in the Strait of Hormuz after intercepting drones that were deemed a threat to maritime traffic. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, though most incoming missiles were intercepted.
The conflict has disrupted global oil markets and supply chains, raising concerns about broader economic consequences. Efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire have stalled, with key issues — including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief — still unresolved.
Reuters also reported that fighting has intensified in other parts of the region, including Lebanon, where separate clashes have raised fears of a wider escalation.
