Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to provide compensation to victims affected by what he described as Tehran’s violent actions, responding to Iran’s claims for reparations related to damage caused by U.S. and Israeli operations.

Trump’s remarks came after Iran announced it was close to finalizing an agreement with Oman to establish new shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran maintained that the reopening of this critical maritime corridor would depend on Washington meeting its conditions, including financial compensation and the lifting of sanctions and military threats.

Trump characterized his compensation demand as a reciprocal measure, stating that Iran should be held accountable for casualties resulting from roadside bombings and conflicts linked to Iranian activities. He also referenced the 2000 bombing of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cole in Yemen, attributing responsibility to Iran and asserting that Tehran ought to compensate victims. Notably, U.S. authorities, including the FBI, have attributed the USS Cole attack to al-Qaeda, which complicates direct attribution to the Iranian government.

Furthermore, Trump suggested that Iran should pay reparations to families of thousands who died during anti-government protests in January. These comments underline ongoing U.S. criticism of Tehran’s internal and regional conduct.

While Iran and the United States have not engaged in direct negotiations, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, indicated on Sunday that the deal with Oman was nearing completion. He nevertheless reiterated that Iran would not reopen the waterway without the United States satisfying its stipulated demands.

Trump described the current state of U.S.-Iran relations as only “semi-negotiating” and expressed skepticism about Iran’s economic stability, citing high inflation and financial constraints in Tehran.

The developments reflect the complex and strained relations between Washington and Tehran, centered on issues of regional security, economic sanctions, and diplomatic engagement, with the status of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil transit chokepoint—remaining a critical focal point in these tensions.