Trump demands Iran compensate U.S. victims and families of Iranian protesters

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he expects Iran to provide compensation for Americans killed or seriously wounded in attacks he attributes to Tehran, as well as for families of Iranian protesters killed by the Iranian government. He said he has directed his representatives to raise the issue in any forthcoming negotiations with Iran.

Trump posted the demand on his social media platform, noting that Iranian officials had asked Washington for compensation related to damage incurred during the recent five-month conflict. He described Iran’s request as “an interesting idea” while asserting that the United States also seeks reparations for incidents such as the USS Cole bombing and other attacks linked to former Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

The statement follows remarks by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who claimed Iran’s negotiating stance is intended to influence the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, and comments by Trump that the U.S. is applying economic pressure on Iran through measures including a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Supreme Leader appointed several senior military commanders in a reshuffle that analysts say signals Tehran’s preparation for prolonged confrontation rather than a settlement with Washington.