Trump Blasts Iran’s UN Appeal for U.S. Reparations: “They Should Be Paying Us”

Former President Donald Trump issued a fiery response this weekend after Iranian officials reportedly prepared to petition the United Nations for reparations over alleged U.S.-backed strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The comments came during a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, where Trump framed the move as “laughable” and accused Tehran of attempting to “scam the international system.”

“Iran thinks they can go crying to the United Nations and get us to pay for defending ourselves? It’s ridiculous,” Trump told a crowd of over 10,000 supporters. “If anything, they should be paying us for the chaos they’ve caused in the Middle East for decades.”

The Background

Tensions between Iran and the West spiked again in late June when a series of coordinated drone and cyberattacks struck military and nuclear-related sites near Natanz and Esfahan. While Iran directly blamed Israel, Iranian foreign ministry officials claimed “logistical and intelligence support was provided by the United States.”

Although Washington officially denied involvement, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi announced that Tehran would take the matter to the United Nations, requesting both an emergency Security Council session and compensation from “aggressor states” for what it calls “illegal and disproportionate acts of war.”

According to leaked drafts of Iran’s UN filing, the government is seeking approximately $6.5 billion in damages. The proposal also demands formal condemnation of the attacks and international sanctions on those involved.

The UN has not yet officially responded to Iran’s request, though diplomats in New York said the matter could be brought up at the next Security Council meeting.

Trump’s Blunt Rebuttal

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential race, didn’t wait for a UN decision before offering his characteristically unfiltered opinion.

“They tried this under Obama. They tried it under Biden. They threaten, they bluff, they act like victims — all while funding terrorism,” Trump said. “When I was president, we had them in a box. No money. No leverage. And no nuclear weapons.”

Trump also reiterated his support for Israel, which has not officially claimed responsibility for the strikes but is widely believed to have carried them out.

“I stand 100% with Israel,” Trump declared. “If they acted, I’m sure they had good reason. And if we helped, even better.”

He went further by warning that any attempt by the UN to force the U.S. to pay reparations would “backfire completely.”

“We give more to the United Nations than almost every other country combined. You think we’re going to hand over a check to Iran because they got caught building weapons again? Not happening. Not under my watch. Not ever,” he said to thunderous applause.

International Reaction

Reactions from international leaders have been cautious but pointed. French President Emmanuel Macron called Iran’s UN filing “concerning,” though he stopped short of condemning it. German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock urged “diplomatic restraint on all sides,” warning that escalating rhetoric could lead to another round of regional violence.

China and Russia, meanwhile, expressed “support in principle” for Iran’s right to seek legal recourse but have not committed to backing any specific action in the Security Council.

Israeli Prime Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed Iran’s appeal as “propaganda theater.”

“The Islamic Republic has no credibility left in the international community,” Gallant said in a televised statement. “They fund militias, threaten shipping lanes, and build nuclear weapons in secret. Now they want sympathy? It’s absurd.”

What’s Next?

While the UN has occasionally issued condemnations or symbolic resolutions in similar disputes, the likelihood of the U.S. or Israel being forced to pay reparations is slim. Any binding resolution would require the support of all five permanent Security Council members, including the U.S., which has veto power.

Still, Iran’s maneuver is widely seen as an attempt to isolate Washington diplomatically and build support among non-Western nations ahead of further negotiations on nuclear sanctions.

Experts say it also plays well for domestic audiences in Iran.

“This is largely about optics,” said Dr. Faraz Mahmoudi, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution. “Iran knows it won’t get a dollar from the United States. But by appearing to stand up to the West, the regime bolsters its legitimacy internally.”

Political Ramifications

Trump’s aggressive posture may also serve him politically as the 2024 election season heats up. With foreign policy shaping up as a key campaign issue—especially amid ongoing crises in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea—Trump has leaned heavily on his image as a global strongman.

“Biden has been weak with Iran, weak with China, and weak everywhere,” Trump said. “That ends the day I’m back in the Oval Office.”

Democratic strategists, meanwhile, expressed concern that Trump’s statements could further inflame tensions.

“Diplomacy is not a reality TV show,” said Maya Rodriguez, a former adviser to the Biden administration. “Every time Trump picks up a microphone, our allies cringe and our adversaries cheer.”

Still, Trump’s remarks resonate with many voters skeptical of international institutions and foreign entanglements.

“I don’t want my tax dollars going to Iran,” said Rachel Meyer, a Trump supporter at the Iowa rally. “He’s the only one who tells it like it is.”

Conclusion

As the geopolitical drama unfolds at the United Nations, Trump has made it clear that he sees Iran’s bid for reparations not only as futile—but offensive. Whether or not the UN entertains Tehran’s petition, Trump has already drawn his line in the sand.

“They don’t deserve a dime,” he said. “They deserve consequences.”