US President Donald Trump declared Wednesday morning that, in his opinion, the Understanding Memorandum with Iran „has ended” after a series of new attacks in the Gulf region.
Trump strongly criticized Iran, calling Iranians „bad and sick people,” as reported by CNN.
The US President addressed journalists on Wednesday at the beginning of the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara and accused Iran of "dirty" behavior for targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, thus violating the armistice.
Trump stated that the US is wasting time talking to Iran and expressed his desire to take action instead of pursuing diplomacy. "Honestly, I don't want to waste my time with them," he said.
The White House leader added, however, that he would let negotiators continue discussions if they wish. "They can talk, but I think they are wasting their time. Honestly, I don't want to waste my time with them," he mentioned.
Trump also said he doesn't believe that "any result will be achieved."
Why the armistice ended
The statements of the American President came after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it launched attacks on American military targets in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to US strikes against Iran.
The US military hit over 80 targets in Iran during attacks launched in retaliation for Iranian firings at three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, announced the US Central Command for the Middle East (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM added that its forces "remain in a combat position and ready to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not respected or complied with."
Meanwhile, the United States reintroduced sanctions on Iranian oil exports, revoking the license that allowed the continuation of oil sales until August 21 under the understanding memorandum between the two states. The new decision sets July 17 as the deadline.
T.D.