Trump demands Iran pay compensation for deaths as Hormuz deal hopes fade

US President Donald Trump escalated rhetorical pressure on Tehran Monday, demanding Iran pay compensation for people killed in conflicts, as hopes dimmed for an imminent deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated on his Truth Social service that he was "likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts, for which they are famous." He added that this would be part of all future negotiations and include payments to families of protesters allegedly killed by Iran.

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I am likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts, for which they are famous

The president also invoked the Oct. 12, 2000, attack on the USS Cole, which killed 17 US sailors, stating Iran should compensate "families of those killed on the USS Cole." The attack has been blamed on al Qaeda, not Iran.

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I am likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts, for which they are famous

Trump further wrote, "with respect to the Iran negotiations, Iran should be responsible for the damages and death caused to the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza!" This follows Iran's earlier statement that it was nearing a pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, but reiterated that the US must meet conditions, including compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy, has been effectively blocked since late February, pushing up oil prices and inflation. Trump, facing pressure ahead of midterm elections in November, has stated the attacks on Iran were aimed at preventing nuclear weapons development and degrading its regional threat capabilities.

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Also, with respect to the Iran negotiations, Iran should be responsible for the damages and death caused to the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza!