Kathmandu— Following Iran’s demand for financial compensation over damages incurred during recent military operations, former US President Donald Trump asserted that Tehran should instead be held accountable for casualties resulting from its own actions. Trump outlined his counter-demand on Truth Social, stating he would seek restitution for those killed or injured in attacks linked to Iran, including the 2000 USS Cole bombing and incidents involving Qassem Soleimani. He has instructed American negotiators to include these conditions in future talks with Tehran, responding to Iranian stipulations tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Demands and US Response

Iran initially sought compensation for damage sustained during what they described as a five-month military conflict, stemming from their continued pursuit of nuclear weapons. Trump characterized Iran’s request as an “interesting idea” but indicated he would present his own demands in future negotiations. He specifically called for financial restitution for casualties caused by attacks linked to Iran over several decades.

Soleimani and Past Conflicts

Trump referenced the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a 2020 drone strike authorized by Trump in Baghdad, Iraq. He alleged that Tehran’s leadership was involved in conflicts resulting in thousands of fatalities. Furthermore, Trump extended his demand to include compensation for families of protesters allegedly killed by the Iranian regime over the past five decades.

Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Disruption

The counter-demand from Trump follows Iran linking war reparation claims to conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, alongside lifting US sanctions and ending naval blockades. Reports indicate that sporadic missile and drone attacks have disrupted commercial maritime traffic in the region, raising concerns among global markets. While Trump has claimed the waterway remains open, shipping activity continues to be heavily impacted.

Iranian Stance Remains Firm

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington meets all of Tehran's conditions, including financial restitution for war damage. Iranian security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr previously called for an end to what he described as “war and aggression” against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq. The Guards declared the maritime route would remain a “theatre of war” until US stipulations are met.

Trump has directed his representatives to integrate these demands into all future diplomatic talks with Tehran, setting the stage for potentially contentious negotiations as tensions between the two nations remain high.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.