US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for damage and loss of life in conflicts, attacks, and protests over the past decades. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Reuters.

The new condition from Washington could complicate negotiations with Tehran and the prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's statement was a response to Iran's demands for compensation, lifting of sanctions, and cessation of US military threats.

Trump's demands

"We are going to demand compensation for the damage they have caused over 50 years," Trump said at the White House. According to him, payments should include families of fallen American servicemen and participants in protests in Iran.

Trump also said Tehran should compensate for damage and deaths in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. The US president claims Iranian authorities may have killed about 52,000 protesters in late 2025 and 2026.

However, human rights groups' estimates are significantly lower. The HRANA agency previously reported about 7,000 deaths, including about 6,500 protesters.

USS Cole attack

Trump also demanded compensation for the families of 17 American sailors killed in the attack on the USS Cole destroyer in Yemen in 2000. Responsibility for the attack is attributed to Al-Qaeda, not Iran.

Oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz

Amid the new demands, prospects for a quick agreement have worsened. On Monday, oil prices rose by about 5%. One of the key issues remains the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed before the conflict.

Iran previously said it was close to an agreement with Oman on new shipping routes through the strait. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said talks were going "smoothly and constructively," and the sides had already agreed on a map of sea routes.

Demands and contradictions

Tehran demands compensation from the US, lifting of sanctions, and cessation of military threats. The US has previously said it would not agree to conditions allowing Iran to charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the military campaign and strikes on Iran, Washington has not yet been able to fully restore free navigation. In June, the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, but in July Washington re-imposed restrictions on Iranian shipping. Tehran called this a violation of the truce.

Trump is also facing growing domestic pressure due to the war and high fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections in November.