Ankara: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran is no longer in effect, asserting that his administration may reimpose a naval blockade on Iran. This statement was made during the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey, following the U.S. military's action on Tuesday, which involved striking over 80 Iranian targets. This military response was prompted by what the U.S. describes as Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this escalation has introduced new uncertainties into the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. These discussions aim to fully reopen the strategic strait, terminate Iran's nuclear program, and bring an end to their protracted conflict. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed his disinterest in further dealings with Iran, labeling Iranian leaders as deceitful.
The U.S. and Iran had previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to extend their ceasefire, which facilitated vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days and initiated talks for a lasting peace agreement. However, the recent revocation of a general license by the U.S. Treasury Department, which had authorized the sale of Iranian oil, has cast doubts on the MOU's viability.
The situation intensified with reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre about unidentified projectiles striking three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz or near Limah, Oman. During another meeting at the NATO summit, this time with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump suggested the possibility of reinstating a blockade on Iranian ports, which had been lifted after the MOU was signed. He emphasized that any potential blockade would solely target Iran.
Furthermore, Trump indicated that the U.S. might conduct additional strikes on Iran, following the previous night's military actions. This ongoing tension highlights the fragility of the diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and the potential for further escalation in the region.