New Delhi: The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have taken a fresh turn after Tehran reportedly demanded around $300 billion in compensation for war-related damage, while former US President Donald Trump rejected the demand and said Iran should instead be held responsible for deaths and destruction linked to its actions.
Iran's demand has added another layer of uncertainty to already strained US-Iran relations, with both sides now trading accusations over the consequences of the recent five-month military conflict.
Iran Seeks Compensation and Release of Frozen Assets
According to reports, Iran has sought USD 300 billion in compensation from Washington for damages caused during the conflict. Tehran has also demanded the release of nearly USD 100 billion in frozen Iranian assets as part of any agreement related to reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has reportedly linked these demands with broader conditions, including the lifting of sanctions, an end to military threats and guarantees against further attacks.
Trump Rejects Iran's Demand, Raises Counter-Claims
Donald Trump rejected Iran's compensation demand, calling it an “interesting idea” but said Washington would put forward its own demands in future negotiations.
Trump argued that Iran should compensate families of those killed or injured in attacks allegedly connected to Tehran. He also referred to past incidents involving Iran, including the USS Cole bombing and the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020.
“I am likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded,” Trump said.
Trump Links Future Talks With Compensation Issue
Trump said his representatives would include the compensation issue in any future discussions with Iran. He also accused the Iranian government of being responsible for the deaths of protesters over several decades.
The US leader further claimed that tens of thousands of people had been killed during the recent conflict, though he did not provide details supporting the figure.
Strait of Hormuz Becomes Major Point of Conflict
The dispute is closely linked to the Strait of Hormuzone of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Iran has warned that the waterway will remain restricted until Washington accepts Tehran's conditions.
The strait is a critical passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption has raised concerns in international markets.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that the waterway will remain a “theatre of war” until its demands are addressed. Meanwhile, Washington has continued to maintain pressure on Tehran, increasing fears of further escalation.