President Donald Trump has declared that the current ceasefire with Iran is effectively over following a fresh exchange of attacks, saying he no longer wants to negotiate with Tehran and warning that further U.S. military action remains possible.
Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Turkey, where he is attending the NATO summit, Trump dismissed the prospects of continued engagement with Iran.
“I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum,” Trump said.
His remarks came just weeks after he hailed a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, describing it as a pathway to bringing “peace and security” to the region. However, tensions have since escalated.
Trump said the United States has not yet attacked Iran at the “highest level,” adding that electricity and desalination facilities could become targets if the conflict intensifies.
“I don’t want to do that but if we have to, we’ll take them out,” Trump said.
He also suggested the possibility of reimposing a naval blockade on Iran and indicated he would address the issue further during a scheduled press conference on Wednesday.
The President’s comments immediately rattled financial markets, with oil prices reportedly climbing about 8 percent while major U.S. stock indexes declined sharply.
Trump acknowledged that senior U.S. negotiators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, remain interested in pursuing diplomatic talks with Iran.
“But, as far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars,” he said.
Iranian authorities had not issued an immediate response to Trump’s latest remarks.
