US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities between the United States and Iran was effectively “over,” following fresh American military strikes on Iranian targets and Washington’s decision to revoke a licence permitting Iranian oil exports.
The remarks came as tensions between the two countries escalated, raising fresh concerns about regional security and the future of diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict.
Trump dismisses ceasefire agreement
Speaking before a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said he no longer believed the ceasefire framework had any value and expressed little interest in continuing negotiations with Tehran.
When asked whether the memorandum remained in force, Trump replied that, in his view, it was finished.
He also strongly criticized Iran’s leadership, accusing Tehran of failing to honour commitments made during previous negotiations.
According to Trump, US officials had reached an understanding that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons, but he claimed Iranian officials later publicly denied key aspects of those discussions.
Trump said Iran could continue talking if it wished, but argued that further negotiations would serve little purpose.
Ceasefire brokered through Pakistan faces uncertainty
The interim ceasefire agreement, facilitated through Pakistani mediation, was designed to create a 60-day window for diplomatic negotiations toward a broader settlement.
However, indirect talks held in Qatar failed to produce a breakthrough, while renewed military activity has placed the agreement under significant strain.
The latest developments have increased uncertainty over whether diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran can resume.
US revokes Iranian oil sales licence
Alongside the military action, the United States revoked a Treasury licence that had temporarily allowed Iran to export crude oil and petroleum products.
The licence had been scheduled to remain valid until August but was withdrawn after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US authorities instructed companies involved in remaining transactions to complete them by the newly established deadline.
The decision further increases economic pressure on Iran while adding another obstacle to any future negotiations.
Fresh military strikes heighten regional tensions
The United States launched new strikes on Iranian military targets after accusing Tehran of involvement in attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed military campaign has intensified concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies, and maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The escalation also dominated discussions among NATO leaders meeting in Ankara.
Trump criticizes Spain during NATO summit
During the same appearance, Trump also criticized Spain’s role within NATO and said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to pursue trade measures against the country.
His remarks added another point of tension at a summit already focused on the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
Iran says US actions undermined the ceasefire
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying recent US actions, including the military strikes and the cancellation of the oil export licence, had significantly weakened the ceasefire framework.
Tehran also warned neighbouring countries hosting US military facilities against allowing their territory to be used for additional American operations targeting Iran.
The statement came shortly after Iranian authorities announced missile and drone attacks against US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, further raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
As diplomatic efforts stall and military exchanges continue, the future of any negotiated settlement between Washington and Tehran remains increasingly uncertain.
