The Middle East conflict could saddle the region with as much as US$58 billion in repair costs for energy-linked infrastructure alone, according to a report by research firm Rystad Energy in April.

Gharibabadi said any seizure, transfer or allocation of Iranian assets without the consent of the Iranian government would constitute “a new internationally wrongful act”, giving rise to US responsibility at a time when Washington claims to be seeking negotiation and understanding with Tehran. Such a move would also prompt an “appropriate response” from Iran, he said, without elaborating.

Iran has been asking for a portion of its seized funds to be released by the US under a framework that the two countries are negotiating to end the Iran war.

Gharibabadi said some regional governments had placed their territory and facilities “at the service of aggression against Iran” and were therefore not in a position to demand reparations. He said those governments must fully compensate Iran for damages inflicted on it.

Tehran’s demands to end the war include the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets, as well as the lifting of US and international sanctions and recognition of its sway over the Strait of Hormuz.