Trump says will demand conflict compensation from Iran

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would seek conflict compensation from Iran as part of any peace negotiations. The demand stems from attacks and killings over the past decades, allegedly supported or carried out by Iran. The negotiations aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz have hit a stalemate, and Trump's new demands may delay a quick agreement further.

His statement was a direct response to Iran's insistence that the US should pay war reparations before resolving the ongoing hostilities. Trump also mentioned compensation for damages caused by Iran to US targets over two decades ago and payments to families of Iranian protestors killed by authorities in the past 50 years. He further stated that Iran should be held responsible for deaths and damage in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.

Trump had previously threatened to hit Iran "very hard," potentially with strikes against civilian infrastructure, only to back off, hinting at a near-deal. However, this weekend, he appeared to ease his approach, suggesting he was prepared to let economic pressure take precedence over further military actions. Axios reported that Trump did not express any frustration with Iran's delay in agreeing to open the Strait of Hormuz in an interview published on Sunday.

Iran has demanded that the US first end its blockade of Iranian ports and lift sanctions on its oil industry. The strait's blockade by Iran has led to soaring fuel prices and economic turmoil worldwide, putting pressure on Trump ahead of the midterm elections in November. Trump referenced the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000, in which he claimed Iran was "probably involved."

On Monday, he stated that his various compensation demands would be included in any future negotiations with Iran.