Iran is adding a new condition to its peace proposal, even as the Trump administration says it holds all the leverage over a regime whose economy is collapsing.
On Thursday, Tehran demanded compensation from the United States and Israel for environmental damage caused by their strikes during the war. Iran raised the claim at the COP13 climate conference, the latest in a series of demands it has attached to its peace terms.
This isn’t the first time the regime has pushed for payouts. Earlier this year, Iran’s peace proposal called for reparations for war damage and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran. President Trump rejected an earlier Iranian offer as “garbage.” Iranian state media has also floated charging ships that pass through the Strait of Hormuz fees to help pay for environmental repairs in the region.
The new demand comes amid reports of a tense phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over whether to resume military action against Iran.
Israeli outlet Ynet reported that the two leaders held a sharp phone call over the weekend that focused largely on Iran. According to the reports, Netanyahu pushed to restart the war, while Trump preferred to stick with diplomacy and give negotiations more time.
One source called the conversation difficult. Another described it as “a shouting match from hell.”
Netanyahu’s office forcefully denied that account.
“Fake news, complete nonsense,” the prime minister’s office said.
A senior Israeli official confirmed that the call took place but said it was “very much not a difficult conversation.”
The Financial Times reported that Netanyahu has been calling Trump every day to press him to resume military operations against Iran.
The two leaders have clashed before. In June, Trump reportedly called Netanyahu crazy during a heated call over Israeli threats to strike Beirut.
For now, the president is signaling he is in no rush to return to combat. Asked whether he planned to escalate the conflict now that the midterm elections are over, Trump said, “Well, I’m not looking to. I don’t think there’s any reason to.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington sees no immediate need to resume major combat operations, arguing that economic pressure is achieving its objectives.
The White House echoed that message. It said the United States is in a strong position, with control of the Strait of Hormuz while Iran’s economy collapses. Officials said the naval blockade known as Operation Economic Outcast, along with the new Operation Iron Gate, will continue at full effect.
The White House said President Trump “holds all the cards.”
Markets appear to be taking note. Oil prices have stayed lower since last week as the administration signals that a return to kinetic war with Iran is unlikely anytime soon.
Meanwhile, threats from the regime have hit close to home. Fox News Digital learned Tuesday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was moved onto a military base after threats originating from the Iranian regime.
Iran’s proxies are also still active in the region. Saudi air defenses destroyed two ballistic missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthis toward Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. Debris from the intercepted missiles fell on a village in the province.
