Trump demands compensation from Iran, claims US control of Strait of Hormuz

Published 10 August 2026 · world

US President Donald Trump has said he is seeking compensation for people he says were killed by Iran, following Iran’s refusal to reopen the Strait

US President Donald Trump has said he is seeking compensation for people he says were killed by Iran, following Iran’s refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless Washington accepts several conditions, including compensation for damage caused during the war. Trump also insisted the US is in full control of the strait, saying the US Navy has removed all Iranian sea mines and that the blockade is a “steel wall”.

He said: “We let people in that we want to let in... We do not let them go into Iran. But it’s open for others.” On Sunday, Trump said Washington is “only semi-negotiating” with Iran, despite repeatedly saying a deal was near. The White House has shifted between threats of military escalation and a willingness to wait for Iran’s economy to weaken.

Outside observers have described the low-key approach as “wishful thinking”, while critics warn that the Republican Party “may well pay at the polls” because of the ongoing inability to find an exit from the conflict. Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna analyses the “complicated” and “confusing” messaging from the Trump administration.

Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App

Read full story on TheBriefWire