Trump Says Iran Ceasefire 'Is Over' After New US StrikesUS President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was "over" after the United States carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Get today's headlines by email Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, Trump dismissed the prospect of further talks with Tehran. "As far as I am concerned, it's over," he said when asked whether the truce remained in effect. Trump also criticised Iran's leadership, accusing it of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement reached on June 17 and misrepresenting its commitments on nuclear weapons. He said he planned to speak with special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have been involved in contacts with Iran, but insisted it was up to Tehran to return to negotiations. US Launches Strikes on Iranian TargetsThe latest escalation followed US strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). The military said the operation targeted air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the strikes were launched in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial ships in the strategic waterway, describing the operation as necessary to impose "heavy costs" for attacks on civilian shipping. It added that US forces remain prepared to respond if Iran fails to comply with the ceasefire agreement, while stating that the latest round of strikes had concluded. NATO Backs US ResponseNATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the US action was justified, arguing that Washington had responded after Iran violated the ceasefire through attacks on commercial vessels. Iran condemned the strikes, accusing the United States of repeatedly breaching the memorandum of understanding between the two countries and warning it would take whatever measures it considered necessary. Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm and Sirik, while the country's central military command said it would respond decisively to what it described as US aggression. The command also declared that Iran would not allow outside interference in the Strait of Hormuz or permit others to control the vital shipping route. Gulf States on AlertFollowing the US strikes, Bahrain activated missile warning sirens. Kuwait's military said its air defence systems intercepted hostile missiles and drones, although it did not identify their origin. The latest exchange follows a similar escalation last month involving Iranian attacks on shipping and US retaliatory strikes, which also prompted attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait. The United States also revoked a licence allowing the sale of Iranian oil under the interim agreement following the latest shipping attacks. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre, one tanker caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman, while two other vessels suffered minor damage in the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported, and the damaged ships were able to continue their voyages. Join the discussion? 8 July 2026
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