Trump Vows To Make Iran Pay For Damage on Commercial Shipping

President Donald Trump is increasing economic and military pressure on Iran as his administration attempts to force Tehran into a lasting peace agreement and end its attacks on commercial vessels.

Iranian forces have continued targeting ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Trump is now warning that money controlled by the United States could be used to compensate shipowners and businesses for damage caused by the Iranian regime.

“Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” Trump posted Thursday evening.

The announcement represents another attempt to hold Tehran financially responsible for its aggression rather than forcing American taxpayers or private companies to absorb the cost.

Trump also issued a direct military warning earlier in the week, declaring that attacks on commercial shipping would trigger retaliation against critical Iranian infrastructure.

“From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran,” Trump also noted on his Truth Social platform.

U.S. Central Command has continued striking Iranian military targets under Trump’s orders, focusing on capabilities connected to attacks against civilian vessels.

“CENTCOM targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities to further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM announced on X this week.

“The international waterway remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the post continued.

“Commercial vessels continue to freely navigate the strait with U.S. military support,” the post said.

The president is also considering whether a much larger operation will be necessary if Iran refuses to change course.

“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” he told Axios.

Trump said any new campaign could exceed the strikes conducted during Operation Epic Fury. He emphasized that no final decision has been made, and other administration officials confirmed that the military has not received new orders.

The escalating conflict has helped push oil prices above $100 per barrel, increasing concerns about higher fuel and transportation costs. Trump must now balance the risks of a broader war against the danger of allowing Iran to threaten international shipping without serious consequences.

The president said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” but added that “we don’t need anybody” to carry out another operation.

He also acknowledged that Israeli participation could bring “consequences,” including possible Iranian retaliation against the Jewish state.

Trump maintains that Tehran remains interested in negotiations but has not yet experienced enough pressure to accept a serious agreement.

“They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said.

Iranian leaders have reportedly rejected the latest proposal presented through regional mediators.

“We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful,” one source familiar with the negotiations said.

Rather than reducing its aggression, Iran has continued attacks in the Strait of Hormuz while its regional proxies threaten another critical shipping route.

Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen have begun targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, further disrupting global energy markets and increasing the possibility of a wider confrontation.

Trump warned that Tehran will be held accountable for any additional Houthi attacks, writing that “the U.S. will hold Iran responsible.”

The administration’s message is increasingly clear: Iran cannot attack commercial vessels, destabilize global trade through its proxies and then expect American taxpayers or private businesses to cover the damage.

Trump is applying military, diplomatic and economic pressure in an effort to force the regime to choose between continued destruction and a permanent peace agreement.