WASHINGTON D.C July 8, 2026 — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is no longer in effect, following a new round of military strikes exchanged between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump stated bluntly: “I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum.” He added that while talks could continue, he viewed further negotiations as a “waste of time.”
The declaration came hours after the US conducted additional strikes on Iranian targets, including military positions near the Strait of Hormuz. The moves followed reported Iranian attacks on merchant vessels in the vital waterway, which prompted a US response.
The latest escalation ends a period of relative calm in the 2026 Iran conflict. A two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan was agreed in early April and later extended indefinitely by Trump. In June, the US and Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum, a framework aimed at formalizing an end to hostilities and addressing issues including Iran’s nuclear program and access to the Strait of Hormuz.
Both sides had accused each other of violations during the pause. The agreement effectively unraveled on July 8 with the resumption of direct strikes.
Oil prices surged following Trump’s comments, reflecting market fears of broader disruption to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. US stocks closed mostly lower amid the heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Iranian officials have signaled potential responses, including threats to close the strait and suspend nuclear talks. A US official confirmed that the ceasefire “has at least temporarily ceased.”
Trump indicated the US would respond forcefully to any further Iranian aggression against shipping. The president’s remarks mark a sharp shift from earlier diplomatic efforts and raise the prospect of renewed open conflict in the region.
The White House has not yet issued a formal statement detailing the scope or targets of the latest US strikes. Defense officials described the actions as targeted and limited in scope, aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities.
Stay with us for live updates as the situation develops.
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