트럼프 “나도 이란에 피해 배상 요구”…호르무즈 합의 ‘설상가상’

The former US President Donald Trump proposed to compensate Iran for war damages as a condition for reopening the Hormuz Strait agreement. He echoed this demand, saying "I too demand compensation." However, his statements have further exacerbated the outlook for the pact to reopen the Strait. Trump claimed that Iran's representatives had requested compensation for the injuries they sustained during the last five months of military clashes.

He added, "Now I will demand compensation for everyone Iran has killed or severely injured." He included "Ghasem Soleimani's commander" and "all those killed or severely injured in the various collisions" as well as the victims of the Cole incident, where 17 US soldiers died in Yemen in 2000. Trump also mentioned the tens of thousands of protesters who died in Iran in the past five years and the hundreds of thousands killed by Iran over the past 50 years.

He demanded compensation for the damage and loss of life in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. His statements have cast doubt on the hope for reopening the Strait, complicating efforts to reopen it. Trump declared that the Strait was currently open, with the US Navy being the sole authority controlling it. He stated that the US blockade was perfect and selective, allowing only ships carrying goods he wanted.

He emphasized that Iran was facing a financial crisis and that the Strait was effectively under blockade, causing oil prices to soar since the start of the war last February. Iran is reportedly nearing an agreement with Oman on a new route through the Strait, but before that, the US has demanded six conditions, including war compensation, sanctions lifting, and cessation of military threats.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman stated that while the joint statement is progressing well, there are still some technical issues to resolve, and all commitments under the existing understandings must be met to resolve the unstable situation around the Strait.