US and Iran exchange new demands as Hormuz reopening stalls

The United States and Iran have presented new, opposing demands in talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Iran says the strait will not be reopened until Washington ends what it calls threats and insults, lifts the naval blockade, withdraws forces, lifts sanctions, releases frozen assets and provides compensation for what it describes as two "imposed wars."

The U.S. side, represented by President Donald Trump, has said any agreement must include compensation from Iran for deaths and injuries linked to past conflicts, including the 2000 USS Cole attack and recent Iranian protester deaths. > "We’re going to ask for money for the damage they’ve done over a 50-year period," Trump told reporters.

Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence that a deal could be reached and noted that Iran has indicated it has no plans to impose tolls on the strait.

Negotiations between Tehran and Oman on a new shipping arrangement are said to be in their final stages, but Tehran maintains that direct talks with the United States are conducted only through intermediaries.

Analysts warn that the hardening positions on both sides reduce the likelihood of a broader peace agreement until the Hormuz issue is resolved. > "Both sides appear to be putting forward maximalist demands ahead of serious negotiations," senior fellow Negar Mortazavi said.

The heightened rhetoric has coincided with a rise in oil prices, which jumped more than 5 percent after Trump’s statements and continued to climb as expectations for a deal faded.