On June 16, 2026, South Korean media Chosun Ilbo, citing a report from the British newspaper Financial Times (FT), reported that the Trump administration is considering an Iran reconstruction fund initiative worth up to 300 billion dollars (approximately 48 trillion yen), conditional on a final nuclear agreement and a ceasefire with Iran. In addition to U.S. companies, the participation of Japanese, South Korean, and European companies is also envisioned for the investment.

According to the Chosun Ilbo article, while the outline of this initiative has not yet been precisely revealed, it is expected to be a framework of investment by private companies hoping to enter the Iranian market after sanctions are lifted, rather than direct funding from the U.S. government. A senior U.S. government official described Iran as "a market with abundant energy resources and a population of approximately 90 million people," and indicated an awareness that Japan, South Korea, and Europe are also showing interest.

Furthermore, this investment initiative will not be implemented immediately but will be linked to the results of future discussions. It is reported that a phased approach to economic support and investment environment development is being considered, taking into account progress such as Iran's implementation of nuclear-related measures, normalization of maritime transport, and adherence to ceasefire agreements.

Meanwhile, opinions are divided within the U.S. regarding this initiative. Trump has a history of severely criticizing the Iran nuclear deal during the Obama administration, and there are criticisms that he is "trying to offer a much larger economic incentive than at that time." Therefore, it is emphasized that all measures, such as the unfreezing of assets and reconstruction investments, are conditional on progress in nuclear negotiations and the conclusion of a final agreement, and are not unconditional financial aid.

The Chosun Ilbo article stated, "At this point, it is not a formally decided plan, and future negotiations are likely to be the focus."

Regarding this, South Korean netizens voiced opinions such as: "But they were the ones who attacked?", "Are they making fools of people worldwide?", "It would have been better if they hadn't attacked in the first place," "Making countries that suffered damage from the Strait of Hormuz blockade pay for reconstruction? That's impossible," and "The U.S. and Israel, who attacked, should pay."

Additionally, other comments included: "They just attacked on their own and now they're soliciting other countries for reconstruction funds. What a business!", "Are they increasing their pocket money by starting wars, and then making other countries clean up the mess?", "Is this how ridiculous things happen one after another when a businessman who only thinks about his own profit becomes the president of a major power?", "They will probably hold tariffs hostage again to make Japan and South Korea pay money," "Iran should not be attacked, but it is true that the current Iranian government has problems. Supporting reconstruction costs in the current situation would only expand the power of the current regime," and "The U.S. and Israel attacked under the pretext of stopping Iran's nuclear proliferation, but in the end, discussions on that point have hardly progressed, and they themselves possess nuclear weapons. Everything is strange." (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)