US President Donald Trump has declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is effectively over after fresh fighting erupted around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Turkey on Wednesday, Trump dismissed the truce, saying he no longer believed it was worth pursuing despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” Trump said. “It’s just a waste of time dealing with them. I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it.”
According to AFP, as published by TheCable, the renewed violence follows a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The conflict, which began in late February with major US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has continued to escalate despite an interim agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.
Oil prices rose by about five percent after Trump’s remarks, reflecting growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions around the Strait of Hormuz, including on Qeshm Island, in Sirik and Bandar Abbas. Additional blasts were also reported in Bushehr, home to Iran’s only civilian nuclear power plant and close to the country’s main oil export terminal on Kharg Island.
Iran also confirmed that a member of its Revolutionary Guards was killed in the latest attacks.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck more than 80 Iranian targets, including air defence systems, coastal radar sites and dozens of Revolutionary Guards boats. It said the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack international shipping.
Iran responded by claiming it targeted dozens of US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. Authorities in both countries confirmed that air defence systems had been activated but did not immediately report significant damage.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding by reimposing oil sanctions and failing to honour previous commitments.
The US Treasury Department has revoked sanction waivers that previously allowed Iran to sell crude oil until August, increasing pressure on Tehran during negotiations.
Meanwhile, three commercial vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz this week. British maritime security agency UKMTO said one tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while two others were hit, including at least one by a drone.
The affected ships included the Marshall Islands-flagged Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged Wedyan and the Liberia-flagged Cyprus Prosperity.
Security analysts say the latest attacks highlight Iran’s determination to oppose alternative shipping arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz while negotiations over the waterway’s future continue.
