Trump Says Iran Hard-Liners Will Yield, Objects to War Reparations Demand

President Donald Trump said Iran’s hard-liners will eventually come to the negotiating table. He also voiced displeasure with Tehran’s demand for compensation for war damage.

Walter Bloomberg reported on May 11 that Trump told Fox News “Iran’s hard-liners will ultimately surrender” and that he would keep up the pressure until a deal is reached.

The issue of compensation for wartime damage has also emerged as a new source of friction in US-Iran talks on ending the conflict.

Citing Middle East diplomatic officials who asked not to be identified, Walter Bloomberg reported that Iran’s demand for war reparations is frustrating Trump.

Trump is concerned that the term “reparations” itself could be interpreted as a US admission of defeat, the report said.

Pakistan is also trying to play a mediating role between the US and Iran.

According to diplomatic officials, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir have been in contact with both sides and with Middle Eastern countries to support the ceasefire and push for face-to-face talks.

Markets are watching the recent stream of comments on US-Iran negotiations for signs of rising geopolitical risk in the Middle East and greater volatility in global oil prices.

In an interview with CBS, Trump also said he wants to suspend the federal gasoline tax for a period of time.