Tehran: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the ceasefire with Iran was “over”, signalling a sharp escalation in tensions after fresh fighting broke out between the two countries following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said he no longer believed the interim truce remained in effect, although he indicated that US negotiators could continue diplomatic discussions if they chose to do so.
Trump dismisses ceasefire
Responding to questions about the status of the truce, Trump said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” describing further negotiations with Tehran as “a waste of time.”
He added that while his negotiating team could continue talks, he personally had little confidence in the process following the latest escalation.
His remarks came after renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran strained an interim agreement that had been intended to pave the way for broader peace negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz tensions trigger fresh conflict
The latest confrontation was sparked by attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime trade routes.
Iran has maintained that it intends to regulate navigation through the waterway, proposing transit fees and warning vessels against using routes it has not authorised. In recent days, multiple commercial ships were reportedly attacked near the strait, prompting the United States to launch extensive military strikes against Iranian targets.
The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns over global energy supplies, as a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes through the narrow waterway.
US and Iran exchange strikes
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces struck more than 80 Iranian military targets, including air defence systems, coastal radar installations and dozens of boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to CENTCOM, the operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s capability to carry out further attacks on international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. Authorities in both Gulf nations confirmed that their air defence systems had been activated, although no detailed assessment of damage was immediately released.
Iranian state media also reported explosions in several locations, including Qeshm Island, Sirik, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, where the country’s only civilian nuclear power plant is located.
Oil prices rise amid uncertainty
Global oil prices climbed by around five per cent following Trump’s remarks and the renewed military exchanges, reflecting growing concerns about potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States also increased economic pressure on Tehran by revoking a licence that had temporarily permitted Iranian oil exports under the earlier memorandum of understanding.
US officials maintained that the interim agreement was conditional on Iran complying with its commitments and described Tehran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable.
Maritime security concerns intensify
British maritime authorities reported that several commercial vessels were struck near the Strait of Hormuz, including incidents involving projectiles and drones that caused damage to oil tankers operating close to Oman.
The attacks have renewed international concern over the security of one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, with regional governments and maritime agencies closely monitoring developments.
Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, the latest exchange of strikes has significantly weakened hopes for an immediate return to the ceasefire, leaving the region facing renewed uncertainty.