US rejects Iran’s compensation demands, says ball in Tehran’s court

The United States has firmly rejected Iran’s calls for financial compensation over American attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, calling the demand “ridiculous” and urging Tehran to reconsider its policies if it seeks relief from sanctions and economic hardship.

Responding to remarks by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who earlier insisted that Washington must provide financial compensation for the damage inflicted on its nuclear facilities, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott dismissed the request during a press briefing on July 31, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Any demands for financial compensation from the USA to the Iranian regime are ridiculous,” Pigott told reporters. He added that if Tehran were serious about improving its economic situation, it should halt its destabilizing behavior.

Watch the Department Press Briefing with @StateDeputySpox Tommy Pigott, from the Press Briefing Room of the State Department. https://t.co/BWu15QfqcM

— Department of State (@StateDept) July 31, 2025

“If the Iranian regime really wanted to save money or alleviate some of the sanctions policy, they would stop taking destabilizing actions. They would stop wasting money on their nuclear program. They would stop sending money to terrorist death squads across the region. They would stop oppressing their own people,” he said.

Pigott reiterated Washington’s openness to dialogue but stressed that the next move rests with Iran.

"The United States is ready to talk to Iran. Iran has a short window of opportunity but the ball is in Iran’s court. So we are waiting to see what they do now now it is in their court,” Pigott responded. 

By Sabina Mammadli