US President Donald Trump declared the memorandum of understanding with Iran "over" on Wednesday, following a series of military strikes exchanged between the two nations the previous day. Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump dismissed further negotiations, stating, "It's a waste of time dealing with them."
Trump's Remarks at NATO Summit
Trump described Iran as "evil, sick people" and "scum," accusing them of being "dirty players" for attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, thereby violating the ceasefire, according to CNN. The president indicated that American negotiators could "keep talking if they want" but emphasized that the US is wasting time with diplomacy and prefers to "do our business" instead.
"We have to rid their cancer, their cancer," Trump said. "And you know what you do? You've got to cut out cancer early. And that's the way I feel."
Exchange of Strikes
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran claimed it attacked US military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for American strikes on Iran. The US had launched strikes and reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil following attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's comments cast doubt on the status of ongoing trade talks between the two countries, which had been part of the broader negotiations.
NATO Chief Supports US Action
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the overnight exchange of strikes as "absolutely necessary," accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement, per BBC. "I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully reacts," Rutte said during the summit.
In contrast, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Ghalibaf, accused the US of violating the ceasefire. In a post on X, Ghalibaf listed what he called "Major MOU Violations by the US," including violating Iranian adjustments in the Strait, persistent threats of further strikes, reinstating oil sanctions, and attacks on southern Iran. He stated, "The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don't fold."
Iranian President Responds
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also responded, comparing US foreign policy to its conduct as host of the FIFA World Cup. On X, Pezeshkian wrote: "The U.S. government's conduct as World Cup host follows its familiar foreign policy: bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating. This is their MAGA playbook. Iran rejects such games. We stand firmly for our rights."
Pezeshkian's comments came after the overnight exchange of strikes between the US and Iran in the Gulf.
