Trump says interim accord with Iran to end war is 'over' after two sides exchange strikes

Ankara (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump has declared that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with Iran to end hostilities is no longer in effect, saying he has no desire to continue dealing with Tehran.

Addressing reporters in Ankara before the NATO summit, Trump was asked whether he believed the ceasefire remained intact.

After a brief pause, he replied, “To me, I think it’s over.” He continued, “I don’t want to deal with them anymore; they’re scum … they’re led by sick people.”

Trump said he would still consult with the US negotiating team, acknowledging that they remain interested in pursuing diplomatic engagement. “I’ll speak to our negotiators, they want to negotiate … but they have to come back to me,” he said.

Making it clear that he sees little value in further discussions, Trump remarked, “Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them. Now, I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it.”

Trump repeated his criticism of Iran’s leadership, saying, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars.”

The temporary ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, brokered through Pakistan’s mediation, had been intended to create a 60-day opportunity for negotiations on a long-term settlement.

However, indirect talks held in Qatar concluded last week without producing any significant progress, and on Tuesday the US military carried out another wave of strikes against Iran.

The recent development comes as the Gulf has once again become the centre of conflict as a fresh exchange of attacks between the United States (US) and Iran triggered a serious military confrontation after tension over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Wednesday that it had carried out strikes against US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. The force also claimed it had successfully shot down an American MQ-9 drone, alleging that the aircraft was attempting to interfere with the operation.

Earlier, the United States (US) launched another round of military attacks and cancelled a licence that had previously allowed Iran to continue selling its oil.

Washington said the actions were taken in response to attacks on three oil tankers in strait of Hormuz.