‘We Will Blow the Hell Out of Them’: Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Over
United States President Donald Trump has declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran had effectively collapsed following fresh exchanges of fire between American forces and the Islamic Republic.
Speaking at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said he no longer had any interest in engaging with Tehran, accusing the Iranian leadership of acting in bad faith and repeatedly violating the terms of the truce reached on June 17.
“I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum,” Trump said, adding that Iran’s leaders were “vicious” and warning that if they acquired a nuclear weapon, the United States would respond forcefully.
“If they had a nuclear weapon, we will blow the hell out of them,” Trump said.
The latest escalation comes after the United States carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacks on US military bases in the Gulf. The renewed hostilities triggered a sharp reaction in the global energy market, with oil prices rising by about five per cent.
Trump said he would consult businessman and special envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as his son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom have been involved in diplomatic contacts with Iran. However, he insisted it was Tehran’s responsibility to return to negotiations.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars,” he said.
The US president further accused Iranian officials of reneging on commitments made under the ceasefire agreement, particularly regarding their nuclear programme.
“Everyone agreed, no nuclear weapon. We make a deal, then they go outside and tell the press we never even talked about it. There’s something wrong with them. They’re cuckoo,” Trump said.
The ceasefire, signed on June 17, had temporarily eased tensions between Washington and Tehran, but the latest military exchanges have cast serious doubt over its future and heightened concerns over stability in the Middle East.