United States (US) President Donald Trump on Wednesday (today) said the ceasefire with Iran was “over” following major exchanges of fire between US forces and the Islamic Republic.
Naijaonpoint reported earlier that the US has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and violating an existing ceasefire agreement.
The latest military action marks another escalation in tensions between the two countries, with Washington saying the strikes were intended to impose “heavy costs” on Iran for targeting civilian-crewed ships navigating an international waterway.
Trump spoke after Washington launched fresh strikes on Iran overnight, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted US bases in the Gulf.
Oil prices jumped by five per cent after Trump’s remarks, reflecting renewed fears over escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, the Turkish capital, Trump said he no longer wanted to deal with Tehran.
“I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them any more, they’re scum,” Trump said when asked whether the truce with Iran had collapsed.
“They’re scum, they’re sick people, they’re led by sick people, and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”
Trump said he would speak with businessman-turned-negotiator Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who had been involved in engagements with Iranian officials.
However, he insisted that it was up to Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars,” he said.
The US President accused Iran of repeatedly misrepresenting what had been agreed in the ceasefire signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17.
“Everyone’s agreed, no nuclear weapon. We make a deal. They go outside, joke to the press, they say we never even talked about it. There’s something wrong with them, they’re cuckoo,” Trump added.
