President Donald Trump has declared the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran effectively dead, warning that American forces could launch another wave of strikes within hours as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said he believed the interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities had collapsed following renewed exchanges of fire between the two countries.
“I think it’s over,” Trump said, adding that although negotiators could continue talking, “I think they’re wasting their time.”
The US president also launched a blistering attack on Iran’s leadership, describing them as “scum” and “sick people” before warning that the United States would “probably” strike Iran “very hard” again later on Wednesday.
The latest escalation follows US military strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets, which Washington said were carried out in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran later retaliated by targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, further undermining hopes that last month’s ceasefire agreement would hold.
Iran responded swiftly to Trump’s remarks.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding that had underpinned the ceasefire and condemned recent US actions, including renewed sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports.
“Addressing the civilised and courageous nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valour.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement blaming the United States for the latest escalation, citing repeated military strikes and the revocation of a US Treasury licence that had allowed certain Iranian oil sales under the ceasefire arrangements.
The renewed hostilities come after a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for oil exports.
Since the ceasefire agreement was reached on 17 June, at least five commercial vessels have reportedly come under attack in the waterway.
The United States has blamed Iran for the incidents, while Tehran has sought to enforce its own preferred shipping corridor through the strait. The latest attacks have heightened concerns over global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher.
The deteriorating situation has prompted fresh international calls for restraint.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to immediately resume negotiations, warning that a return to full-scale conflict would have “catastrophic consequences” for the region, international security and the global economy.
Pakistan, which helped broker the original ceasefire agreement, also expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting, urging both countries to honour their commitments and resolve their differences through dialogue rather than military action.
The latest exchange has cast serious doubt over the future of the ceasefire, with military operations resuming even as diplomatic channels technically remain open.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
