Trump declares Iran ceasefire Is 'over' after fresh missile exchanges The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has dramatically collapsed after both sides launched fresh military strikes overnight, prompting President Donald Trump to declare the truce "over." Speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump said he had no interest in further negotiations with Tehran following the latest attacks. "I don't want to deal with them anymore, they're scum," Trump said. "They're sick people, they're led by sick people... As far as I'm concerned, it's over." While saying negotiators were free to continue talking, the President dismissed the diplomatic process as pointless. "I think they're wasting their time." Over 80 Iranian targets hitThe latest escalation began after three commercial oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran has not formally accepted responsibility, Washington responded with one of its largest operations since the conflict began, with US Central Command confirming strikes against more than 80 Iranian military targets. According to US officials, the operation targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile launchers, command centres and more than 60 fast attack boats operating in the Gulf. Iran retaliatesIran answered with missile strikes aimed at US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran accused Washington of violating last month's ceasefire agreement and warned further retaliation would follow if American attacks continued. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States had broken the memorandum signed only weeks ago. NATO backs WashingtonNATO Secretary General Mark Rutte threw his support behind the US operation, saying the strikes were "absolutely necessary" after Iran had effectively violated the ceasefire through attacks on international shipping. The renewed fighting threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important energy corridors, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass. Peace deal in tattersOnly weeks ago, Washington and Tehran signed a 14-point memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and opening negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, regional security and the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz. That agreement now appears to be on life support. With fresh missile exchanges underway, oil markets on edge and both governments accusing the other of breaking the truce, hopes of a lasting settlement have suffered a serious setback. DiscussionTrump's comments leave little doubt about where Washington now stands. While diplomats may continue talking behind closed doors, the President has publicly declared the ceasefire finished. The biggest question now is whether this remains a limited exchange of strikes or marks the beginning of a broader regional conflict involving Gulf states, international shipping lanes and potentially other major powers. SOURCE
