US President Donald Trump says ceasefire with Iran is ‘over’ following fresh escalation of hostilities

United States President Donald Trump has declared that the temporary ceasefire with Iran is "over" following a dramatic flare-up in military hostilities.

Speaking at a NATO summit in Turkey on Wednesday, Trump expressed deep skepticism about future peace negotiations, calling further diplomatic engagement a waste of time.

The announcement directly follows a heavy wave of cross-border military strikes overnight that has effectively shattered the fragile truce.

Context

The two nations had entered into an interim 14-point memorandum of understanding last month to end a war that began in late February with massive US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Maritime traffic had tentatively resumed under the deal, but tensions remained high due to disputes over the control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has insisted on imposing a transit fee system and controlling the waterway, threatening to strike any vessels that deviate from its authorized route.

Resumption of Hostilities

The conflict flared after Iranian forces struck three commercial vessels near Oman, prompting a massive retaliatory response from US Central Command.

In response, US forces launched extensive strikes against over 80 targets inside Iran, including air defense systems, coastal radar sites, and 60 Revolutionary Guard small boats.

Tehran immediately retaliated by firing drones and missiles at dozens of US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, triggering local air defense systems.

Implications

Following the military escalation, Washington officially revoked sanction waivers on Iranian oil sales, canceling a license that had allowed crude exports through August.

Oil prices immediately jumped five percent following President Trump's remarks, hitting their highest level in two weeks as global energy markets reacted to the instability.

Maritime security experts warn that Iran is deliberately targeting shipping to signal that it will reject any transit alternatives that bypass its proposed toll system.

Picture courtesy: France24/AFP