0
Screenshot from U.S. President Donald Trump's social media platform Truth Social

On July 23 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced via his social media platform Truth Social that all damages to cargo ships will be compensated using Iranian funds held by the United States.

President Trump stated, "From this moment forward, until further notice, any damage caused to ships, cargo, or anything related will be compensated using Iranian funds held by the United States."

He added that while the compensation amount could swell to astronomical figures, "this is the most fair and just solution."

However, he did not specify the exact compensation procedures or fund sources, which is interpreted as referring to frozen Iranian assets around the world.

This announcement comes as the United States intensifies its pressure on Iran while concentrating firepower in the Middle East.

After the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have blockaded Saudi waters, announced that they attacked two oil tankers on the same day, President Trump declared he would hold Iran accountable for further Houthi attacks.

Via social media, he noted, "If they do this again, the United States will view the Houthis as Iran's proxy force and hold Iran accountable, delivering massive military retaliation to both Iran and Houthi strongholds."

In an interview with Axios, President Trump stated that he is considering resuming large-scale combat operations inside Iran with a decision imminent, remarking that "they haven't suffered enough yet."

                                                                                                          Lee Jeong-eun