Iran slams US 'addiction' to sanctions as Trump demands counter-compensation

President Trump, in a statement to ABC News on Monday, was asked what comes next after Washington rejected Tehran's demands. "You'll find out," he said. Asked if escalation remained on the table, he repeated the answer and added that the US has "that ability if we want to do that." He said the Strait of Hormuz is "open now" and under US control, while acknowledging Iran could "make trouble."

On Truth Social, Trump announced sweeping counter-demands. He said he is demanding compensation from Iran for all the people killed and wounded by "their roadside bombs and many conflicts." He added that compensation should go to families of "hundreds of thousands of innocent protestors that Iran has killed over the last 50 years."

Trump maintained that compensation for Tehran "was never mentioned in any of our negotiations or meetings." But according to the 14-point memorandum of understanding the two sides signed in June, detailed plans laid out a $300 billion fund for Iran's rehabilitation and economic development after the war, to be created by Washington and its regional allies.

Iran is reportedly working on a deal with Oman regarding a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Whether that agreement can break the impasse remains an open question.

On Sunday, Trump told Axios the administration is taking a "low-key" approach toward Tehran, letting economic pressure do the work. He cited Iran's inflation and said the US naval blockade was deepening the country's financial problems. "We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact that they have no money," he said.