Trump demands Iran pay compensation, rejects Tehran’s claim

The Story in Brief

US President Donald Trump has formally rejected Iran's demand for compensation over the five-month military conflict and instead demanded Tehran pay the US for Americans killed or wounded in attacks linked to Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the Iranian request an 'interesting idea' and instructed his representatives to include Washington's compensation demand in all future negotiations.

Trump specifically cited the 2000 USS Cole bombing, other conflicts, and what he claimed were 'hundreds of thousands of innocent protestors that Iran has killed over the last 50 years' as grounds for payment. The demand further complicates talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked since the conflict began. Tehran insists on sanctions relief, an end to the naval blockade, and compensation before reopening the strategic waterway. The competing claims leave negotiations deadlocked with no sign of compromise.