Trump has declared the ceasefire between Iran and the United States is effectively over, a dramatic escalation in tension after fresh American air strikes and Iranian retaliation in the Gulf has intensified. But even as he spoke out against Iran, Trump said diplomacy could still be going on, saying that further talks "are a waste of time."
Trump said on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, that he no longer believed the ceasefire was in place.
"To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum. They're led by sick people," Trump said, adding that while US negotiators were free to continue talks, he saw little progress.
Fresh US Strikes Follow Attacks in Strait of Hormuz
Trump’s comments came just hours after the US military launched a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets. The operation was launched against three merchant ships that were going to cross the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes, according to US Central Command.
American forces targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar facilities and dozens of small boats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington accused of threatening maritime security in the Gulf.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Mahshahr and Bushehr, where the country's nuclear power infrastructure is located. Iranian officials also confirmed casualties after the strikes.
BREAKING 🚨 U.S. President Trump says ceasefire with Iran is “over.” pic.twitter.com/8i8WztKwCX
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 8, 2026
Iran Retaliates with Missile Strikes
Iran then launched missiles toward US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Both Gulf nations activated missile warning systems as the attacks unfolded.
The Revolutionary Guard admitted to attacking American bases and accused Washington of violating the interim agreement by attacking Iranian coastal facilities. Iranian officials maintained that the US strikes were a violation of understandings made before the ceasefire.
Trump Labels Iranian Leadership 'Liars' and 'Cheats'
Trump intensified his criticism of Iran’s leadership, claiming that Iran’s leadership was acting in bad faith despite what he described as an opportunity to de-escalate tensions.
"They’re liars, they’re cheats, they’re sick people,” Trump said, arguing that Iran had opted for confrontation instead of restraint during the time when the country was mourning the funeral of its assassinated Supreme Leader. He defended the overnight US operation, saying American forces had hit “very dangerous people” for attacks on international shipping.
Ceasefire Collapse Raises Global Concerns
The interim agreement, which was reached with international mediation, had provided a window for indirect talks to end hostilities but talks have been stalled, and the most recent round of military strikes seems to have effectively ended the agreement.
The current dispute has rocked global markets too. Oil prices have been up strongly following Trump’s announcement and oil markets are concerned about the potential of a long-term disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the artery that is the major pipeline link between the Middle East oil industry and the world’s oil pipeline system.
Trump said that US negotiators would continue to deal with Tehran, but his comments suggest that Washington now sees diplomacy with deep skepticism and that the prospects for US-Iran relations are more uncertain than ever now with a military battle taking place.
