United States President Donald Trump says the ceasefire agreement with Iran is “over” after both countries exchanged fresh strikes, accusing Iranian leaders of violating the deal.
Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump criticised Iran’s leadership, saying continued negotiations would be a “waste of time” but added that US representatives could continue talks if Tehran was willing.
The latest escalation followed overnight strikes, with the United States saying it launched attacks in response to assaults on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later said it retaliated by targeting US military positions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Trump’s comments pushed oil prices higher, although they remained below levels recorded during the height of tensions when the Strait of Hormuz was threatened with closure.
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of breaching the ceasefire agreement, saying Tehran would not surrender to what he described as intimidation.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended the US action, saying Iran had violated the ceasefire.
The United States also revoked a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales following the renewed hostilities.
The ceasefire deal, signed on June 17, had called for an immediate end to military operations and safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as both sides worked towards a permanent peace agreement.
Comments
Add a comment