Trump says will demand conflict compensation from Iran

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he would seek conflict compensation from Iran as part of any peace negotiations. He cited attacks and atrocities stretching back decades that he says were backed or carried out by Tehran. The demand came after Iran itself sought compensation for damage from the five-month conflict.

Why is Trump demanding compensation from Iran?

Trump said Iran was asking for compensation for damage done during the five-month military conflict, so he is demanding compensation in return. He wants payment for people killed and gravely wounded by Iranian-linked roadside bombs and other conflicts. Trump said he has instructed his representatives to put this into any future negotiations.

What has Trump said about Iran recently?

Trump's latest comments on Truth Social came a day after he said he was low-keying his approach to the conflict, suggesting he was prepared to let economic pressure build instead of ordering further military strikes. Last week, Trump threatened to hit Iran very hard, potentially targeting civilian infrastructure, only to pull back and hint that a peace deal was near. Axios reported that Trump showed no frustration with Iran delaying an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in an interview published Sunday.

Why are Iran and the US still negotiating?

Tehran has demanded that the US first end its blockade of Iranian ports and lift sanctions on its oil industry. As talks have stalled, Iran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed fuel prices higher and unsettled the world economy. That pressure is building on Trump ahead of the midterm elections in November.

What compensation is Trump seeking from Iran?

In his post, Trump referenced the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole and said compensation should also go to the families of what he called hundreds of thousands of innocent protesters killed by Iran over the past 50 years. He said this demand would be included firmly in all future negotiations with Tehran.