Trump Threatens Fresh Strikes on Iran as Ceasefire Appears to Collapse

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between the two countries was effectively over and warned that the U.S. could launch another round of military strikes “hard” later tonight.

Speaking during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump dismissed further negotiations with Tehran, saying, “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum. They’re sick people, they’re led by sick people.” While he acknowledged talks could continue, he added, “I think they’re wasting their time.”

The comments came after the U.S. carried out strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets overnight. Iranian officials say eight members of the country’s air force and navy were killed in the attacks.

Iran responded by warning that Trump’s remarks were pushing the region “toward fire,” with an official saying Tehran’s regional allies have their “finger on the triggers.” Iranian state media also warned the country could close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, if further attacks occur.

The renewed tensions rattled financial markets, sending Brent crude oil prices up five percent to around US$80 per barrel amid concerns that a wider conflict could disrupt global energy supplies.

Trump also claimed Iran’s remaining nuclear material is buried so deep underground that “nobody is going to be able to get it except us,” while ruling out an immediate U.S. ground invasion unless Iran is “completely eliminated” or a new agreement is reached.

The latest developments have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict just days after hopes had emerged that the ceasefire could ease months of escalating violence between the two countries.