The United States launched a thirteenth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting military bases and coastal defense systems near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump then threatened to use frozen Iranian assets to cover any damage inflicted on civilian ships, prompting a furious response from Tehran warning of “chaos.”
Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes focused on Iranian command centers, drone storage, communication networks, coastal surveillance posts, and naval capabilities. The stated goal was to reduce the threat Iran poses to commercial vessels transiting the strait. Iranian state media reported at least four deaths in Khuzestan province and two wounded in Bandar Abbas after a residential area was hit. Explosions were also heard on Qeshm Island and in the port city of Jask, targets that have become routine in the ongoing US campaign.
Trump’s financial ultimatum
On his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that from now on any harm to ships, cargo, or related assets would be paid for using Iranian funds currently held and controlled by the United States. “These damages could be very significant, but nevertheless this is fair and just treatment,” he wrote. The move effectively weaponizes billions of dollars in frozen Iranian reserves, a step Iran’s top diplomat called a dangerous precedent.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X with a stark warning directed at those who might benefit from such confiscation. “When governments normalize seizure, no one’s assets will be safe,” he wrote. “The resulting chaos will not be pretty or peaceful.” His statement directly echoed the title of the original Polish article, underscoring Tehran’s readiness to retaliate.
Strait of Hormuz remains open, but fragile
Despite the sustained bombardments, CENTCOM insisted the international waterway remains open for transit. Approximately 50,000 US troops are currently deployed across the Middle East. “Commercial ships continue to navigate freely through the strait with the support of US forces,” the command stated. However, the repeated attacks – and Tehran’s vow to respond – suggest the situation could deteriorate rapidly. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and any disruption would send shockwaves through global energy markets. Iran has previously threatened to block the passage in retaliation for what it sees as American aggression.
The standoff shows no sign of de-escalation. Each night of strikes erodes the possibility of diplomacy, while Trump’s financial threat raises the stakes for any future incident at sea. With both sides digging in, the chaos Araghchi warned of may be closer than either is willing to admit.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
