Trump Demands Iran Pay for Past Attacks as Hormuz Standoff Persists

Global oil markets face renewed pressure as talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled, with the United States and Iran each insisting the other pay compensation for years of conflict-related damage. The waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply, and traffic has fallen to about 10-12 percent of pre-war levels since Iran began restricting passage and the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Trump stated on Truth Social and in Oval Office remarks that Iran must compensate victims of roadside bombs, the 2000 USS Cole attack, and deaths of protesters and others over five decades, including a figure of 52,000 killed in recent months; he directed negotiators to include these claims in any future discussions. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei and Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, countered that the strait will stay closed until the United States lifts sanctions, unfreezes assets, ends the blockade, and pays reparations for war damage. Trump described the U.S. Navy's position as an "infallible" blockade and "steel wall," while acknowledging Iran could still "make trouble" with mines or drones. Oil prices rose more than 5 percent on Monday and continued climbing Tuesday, with Brent crude approaching $90 a barrel, prompting concerns over inflation and possible U.S. interest rate increases. Iran has also replaced several senior military commanders and emphasized internal unity amid economic strain. Separate reporting confirmed that Trump used a decoy aircraft during a July return from a NATO summit in Turkey after intelligence indicated an Iranian missile threat. Houthi attacks on Yemeni ports have added to regional shipping risks. No independent verification has emerged for the 300-309 percent inflation rate cited by Trump or the precise recent casualty total of 52,000.