By By Elizabeth Ugbo
United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared the ceasefire with Iran “over” after fresh military exchanges between both countries in the Gulf. Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump accused Iran’s leadership of threatening global security while the US launched strikes on Iranian targets following attacks on American assets. The renewed hostilities have raised concerns over regional stability and the future of ongoing peace negotiations.
Trump Signals End of Ceasefire
Trump delivered his remarks after the United States and Iran exchanged military strikes across the Gulf region.
He described Iranian leaders as “sick people” and claimed they would use nuclear weapons if they acquired them.
“I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore,” Trump said.
However, he added that US negotiators could continue talks with Iranian officials despite his remarks.
“Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them. I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want,” he said.
US Launches Major Military Strikes
The US Central Command announced powerful strikes against more than 80 targets.
The operation followed Iranian attacks on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
The waterway carries nearly 20 percent of globally traded oil, making it strategically important to international energy markets.
Earlier, the US Treasury revoked a sanctions waiver that had allowed sales of Iranian crude oil.
Iran Responds With Attacks on US Bases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it retaliated by targeting 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The latest military actions have increased fears of a broader regional conflict.
Although both countries exchanged attacks, neither side has officially withdrawn from ongoing negotiations.
Gulf Cooperation Council Condemns Iranian Attacks
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.
GCC Secretary-General Mohamed AlBudaiwi described the strikes as a direct threat to citizens and residents.
He also called them a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
According to AlBudaiwi, the attacks demonstrate Iran’s continued efforts to undermine regional peace and international security initiatives.
Gulf States Push for Diplomacy
Reports from Doha indicate Gulf countries want to avoid another prolonged conflict.
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Malik Traina, regional leaders are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts.
He said Gulf nations hope to bring both Iran and the United States back to the negotiating table.
Regional governments also want to preserve the ceasefire and the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Tehran Warns of Further Retaliation
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas said Trump’s comments would likely trigger strong reactions inside Iran.
He noted that the IRGC warned of harsher retaliation in the coming days.
Iranian officials have also accused the United States of violating several provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Despite the accusations, neither Washington nor Tehran has formally declared the agreement terminated.
Ceasefire Faces Fresh Uncertainty
The latest escalation threatens last month’s agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days.
That extension aimed to create space for negotiations on permanently ending the conflict.
The renewed violence follows a temporary pause in US military operations during funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in joint US-Israeli strikes earlier in the conflict.
Political observers now question whether Trump’s latest remarks represent negotiating tactics or a complete abandonment of the ceasefire framework.
