President Donald Trump announced that an interim agreement to end the war with Iran is “over” and indicated that the U. S. may launch new strikes following Iranian attacks on U. S. military bases in the Gulf. Iran claimed it attacked U. S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to U. S. strikes on Iranian targets connected to recent tanker assaults in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have worsened a fragile ceasefire and diminished hopes for a lasting peace agreement that started with U. S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February.
Trump expressed distrust towards Iran, stating that he believes any deal would not hold. Although he didn’t confirm a return to full-scale war, he suggested he doubts further negotiations will continue. When questioned about the ceasefire’s status, Trump dismissed it, stating he didn’t want to deal with Iran, referring to its leadership in derogatory terms. Nevertheless, he hinted that U. S. negotiators might continue talks if they wish, but he personally sees no value in engaging with Iran.
The ongoing attacks have raised safety concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, leading some oil tankers to turn back rather than risk passage through the area. Despite some cautiousness, oil prices rose significantly, with Brent crude reaching $78.48 a barrel, and the bond market faced new inflation risks. U. S. stock markets were also expected to open lower amid these tensions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacks on U. S. sites and reported shooting down a U. S. drone. Bahrain’s military stated it had foiled Iranian attacks. In reaction, the U. S. launched strikes targeting more than 60 small boats linked to Iran, signifying a stern response to Iran’s attacks on maritime activities that contravene the ceasefire.
The NATO Secretary General supported the U. S. actions as necessary, while EU officials condemned Iran’s assaults as complicating an already tense situation. Iran’s military command labeled the U. S. strikes as aggression and warned of retaliation, asserting their intention to prevent U. S. interference in the Strait. An Iranian negotiator accused the U. S. of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Iran maintained that attacks on shipping illustrate its leverage in negotiations with the U. S., exploiting its control over the strategically essential Strait of Hormuz. Following the revocation of a U. S. license allowing oil sales from Iran, Iran described the move as a breach of their agreement, stating they will protect their interests and national security using any necessary measures. The strikes reportedly targeted multiple Iranian military capabilities without causing civilian casualties.
With information from Reuters
