Trump Raises New Demands as Hormuz Talks Advance

Prospects for reopening one of the world’s most important maritime routes have become more complicated following new demands from the US president. Donald Trump said on Monday that Tehran should compensate victims of wars, attacks and protests over the past 50 years.

He was responding to Iran’s conditions for a peace agreement, which include compensation, an end to sanctions and an end to military threats. “So if there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages”, Trump said.

He cited civilian protesters and US soldiers as well as people harmed in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza.

Meanwhile, Tehran announced progress in negotiations with Oman over new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran, an agreement on the routes is already in place, with only technical issues remaining unresolved.

The strategic waterway has been effectively blocked since the war began in February. Before the conflict, around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait.

The new demands have dampened hopes for an agreement. Oil prices rose 5% on Monday.

(Reuters, bak)