Ankara: US President Donald Trump, declared that the ceasefire with Iran is 'over' and threatened to reimpose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a stir at a high-stakes NATO summit.
According to Ghana News Agency, Trump stated on Wednesday that the US had struck over 80 sites in Iran overnight following Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He described Iran as 'a bunch of scum' and expressed concern that they would use nuclear weapons if they possessed them. Despite allowing negotiators to continue talks with Iran, Trump expressed skepticism about their effectiveness, suggesting Tehran was 'wasting their time.'
Trump also mentioned that the US military 'probably' planned to strike Iran again later that evening, offering Tehran 'a little warning.' He further threatened to reimpose a naval blockade affecting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. In response, Iran warned it would completely block the Strait of Hormuz if the military campaign continued.
Iran's state broadcaster Press TV, citing a security source, reported that Tehran was ready to fight to maintain control over the strategic waterway, making no distinction between the US and its regional allies. Additionally, Iranian attacks targeted US-linked military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The US and Iran had previously signed a memorandum of understanding last month, reaffirming a ceasefire agreed in April and facilitating discussions for a permanent end to the conflict. This agreement also aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for global oil and gas trade, although shipping restrictions remained.
The escalation of tensions coincided with a NATO leaders' meeting in Ankara. Trump informed NATO leaders during their summit dinner about the new strikes on Iran, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The conflict has caused a significant rift between the US and European allies, with some expressing a lack of support for the campaign against Iran, which began on February 28 without prior notice.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance's unity at the summit, noting that consultations showed a degree of cohesion not seen 'in recent history.' He highlighted the importance of allowing disagreements to bring the alliance closer together. Earlier, Rutte described the US military response as 'absolutely necessary,' and several other leaders supported the strikes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, while justifying the renewed US strikes, urged for a permanent resolution to the conflict. He emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement with Iran to permanently end its nuclear program and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. A joint statement by NATO leaders reiterated that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons and called for respect for navigation freedom in the waterway.