It’s Over: Trump trashes Iran ceasefire

The President of the United States Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Washington’s ceasefire with Tehran is over, after hostilities between the two sides escalated overnight.

During a joint press conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the military alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, Trump said, “I think it’s over” in response to a reporter’s question.

“I don’t want to deal with them anymore … as far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” he added.

He also said that Washington’s delegation wanted to negotiate a peace deal, but that he saw it as “a waste of time dealing with” the Iranian side.

Trump’s comments came after the US and Iran accused each other of violating a ceasefire that was reached last month, in the wake of fresh strikes.

The US military conducted a “series of powerful strikes” against Iran in retaliation for three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz coming under attack on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department withdrew a waiver that had allowed Iran to sell its oil.

Oil prices rose dramatically after Trump spoke, with global benchmark Brent crude futures for September delivery jumping 5.7 per cent to trade at around $78.41 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate futures added 5.9 per cent to settle at $74.60 a barrel.


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