US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the interim ceasefire arrangement with Iran was effectively "over," saying he no longer believed negotiations with Tehran would produce meaningful results. His remarks came hours after the United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iranian targets, raising fears of a renewed escalation in the Middle East. Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said he had lost confidence in the interim memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at halting hostilities between the two countries.
"For me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore," he said when asked about the status of the ceasefire. "It's just a waste of time dealing with them." Trump made the comments after the US launched large-scale strikes on Iranian assets in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island. Washington said the operation was carried out in retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The US administration also revoked a licence that had allowed Iran to sell oil, increasing economic pressure on Tehran alongside the military response.
The US President sharply criticised Iran's leadership, accusing it of acting aggressively and posing a serious security threat. He reiterated Washington's long-standing concern over Iran's nuclear ambitions, saying the country could not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. While his remarks reflected a hardening stance, Trump indicated that US officials would continue diplomatic contacts despite his scepticism about their prospects. "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time," Trump said, referring to ongoing negotiations between American and Iranian representatives.
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His comments suggested that while diplomatic channels remain open, the administration sees little chance of achieving a lasting agreement under the current circumstances. Iran responded to the latest US strikes by launching attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, further intensifying tensions across the Gulf region. The exchange of military action has placed the already fragile ceasefire arrangement under severe strain and heightened concerns that the conflict could once again expand into a broader regional confrontation involving multiple countries.
The latest developments have prompted renewed international concern over stability in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes for global oil supplies. Governments and international organisations have continued to call for restraint, warning that further escalation could have significant consequences for regional security and the global economy.
Trump's remarks also came as NATO leaders gathered in Ankara to discuss a range of security issues, including the evolving situation in the Middle East. While the alliance remains focused on collective defence and regional stability, the renewed confrontation between the United States and Iran is expected to feature prominently in discussions as world leaders assess the implications of the latest military exchanges and the future of diplomatic efforts.
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