Ankara: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared the interim memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran “over” following a fresh exchange of military strikes between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said negotiations could continue but dismissed their prospects, stating they were “a waste of time.” His remarks came after the US launched large-scale retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island, accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington also reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
US officials described the operation as the largest American strike on Iran since the April ceasefire, targeting military assets and serving as “punishment” for attacks on shipping near the strategic waterway.
Iran responded with missile strikes targeting US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, while state media reported explosions in Bandar Mahshahr and Bushehr.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of violating the MoU, and the Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned of a “crushing response,” insisting Iran would not allow foreign interference in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest escalation has cast uncertainty over planned negotiations on reopening the Strait and Iran’s nuclear programme. Oil prices rose following Trump’s comments, reflecting growing concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.
