United States President Donald Trump has declared that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the recent conflict is effectively “over”, saying he no longer wishes to engage with Tehran.
Trump made the remarks on Wednesday ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, casting further doubt over the future of the fragile ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran.
“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” Trump said.
“They’re scum. They’re sick people. They’re led by sick people. As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” he added while speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The interim ceasefire agreement, brokered by Pakistan, was intended to create a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent settlement between the two countries. However, indirect talks held in Qatar last week ended without any significant progress.
The latest comments from Trump come after the United States launched fresh military strikes against Iran and revoked a licence that had allowed Tehran to sell oil, following attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said more than 60 small boats belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were among the targets hit, describing the operation as an attempt to impose a heavy cost on Iran for attacks on shipping in violation of the ceasefire.
In response, the IRGC claimed responsibility for strikes targeting US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Iran’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, condemned the American strikes as a “blatant act of aggression”, warning of a “crushing response” and insisting that Tehran would not tolerate US interference in the management of the strategic waterway.
Under the temporary agreement reached in June, the US Treasury had issued a general licence permitting the sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products until 21 August. However, the licence was revoked on Tuesday, with Iran given until 17 July to wind down related transactions.
Although Trump said US representatives could continue negotiations with Iran, he expressed scepticism about any potential breakthrough.
“They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time,” he said.
The escalating tensions rattled global energy markets, with oil prices surging by more than five per cent following Trump’s remarks.
International benchmark Brent crude rose 5.3 per cent to $78.09 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate climbed 5.4 per cent to $74.23 per barrel.
Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB, said the latest developments had cast serious doubt on the future of the 60-day negotiation process and could push oil prices closer to $80 per barrel.
