Trump says will demand conflict compensation from Iran

US President Donald Trump announced his intent to seek conflict compensation from Iran during peace talks, drawing attention to decades-old attacks allegedly orchestrated or sanctioned by the Islamic Republic. This move comes as negotiations to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled, with Trump's demands potentially stalling a swift resolution.

Trump's announcement directly countered Iran's insistence on US war reparations as a condition for resolving the ongoing hostilities. In addition to current war damages, Trump's demand encompasses attacks on US targets dating back over two decades, as well as compensation for Iranian protestors killed by authorities over the past five decades.

He also demanded Iran assume responsibility for deaths and damages in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. Trump's approach has often been unpredictable, with recent threats of severe retaliation against Iran's civilian infrastructure followed by claims of nearing a peace deal. This weekend, Trump hinted at a shift towards economic pressure over military strikes.

According to Axios, Trump did not express frustration with Iran's delays in opening the Strait of Hormuz during their recent interview. Tehran has insisted on the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports and ending sanctions on the country's oil industry before negotiations can proceed. As talks have hit a dead end, the blockage has caused fuel prices to surge and rattled the global economy, putting pressure on Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.

Trump referenced previous allegations of Iranian involvement in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, stating that his compensation demands would be integral to any future negotiations with Iran.