President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for deaths and injuries linked to Iranian actions, adding a new dispute to already stalled negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said Monday that Iran should compensate victims of attacks and other actions over several decades. He said he had instructed U.S. representatives to include the demand in all future negotiations with Tehran.
The demand came after Iran called on the United States to compensate Tehran for damage caused during the ongoing five-month conflict, including damage it says resulted from U.S. military strikes and the naval blockade.
Iran sets conditions for reopening Hormuz
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has demanded that the United States end military operations, lift sanctions, remove its naval blockade and release frozen Iranian assets before Tehran considers reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has also demanded compensation for war-related damage and said it will not reopen the strategic waterway unless its conditions are met.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for global oil shipments, making the standoff a major concern for energy markets and international shipping.
Trump, meanwhile, said the U.S. Navy has “full control” of the strait, rejecting Tehran’s position over control of security in the waterway.
The president also said Washington was taking a quieter approach to negotiations while increasing economic pressure on Iran, pointing to the country’s economic difficulties and high inflation.
Talks remain indirect
Iranian officials have said there are no direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with communications instead taking place through indirect messages.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that reopening the strait would require concessions from the United States, including compensation, sanctions relief and a new agreement governing maritime traffic with Oman.
With both governments maintaining hardline positions, there is no clear timetable for ending the standoff.
Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have also kept oil prices elevated and added pressure to global markets.
