President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he believes the interim agreement with Iran is "over," following a significant exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran that included attacks on commercial ships. Trump, speaking to reporters in Ankara, Turkey, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, expressed strong disapproval of Iran's leadership.
"For me, I think it's over," Trump stated regarding the agreement. "I don't want to deal with them anymore. They're scum. You know what scum is? They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people."
Trump's remarks came after U.S. Central Command reported that Iran had attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes on over 80 Iranian targets, including air defense systems and command and control networks. The U.S. also revoked a license that had authorized the sale of Iranian oil under the interim agreement.
Iran's military asserted that it had responded to the American strikes by attacking 85 U.S. military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament and Tehran's chief peace negotiator, claimed on social media that the U.S. had violated the interim agreement with its latest strikes.
The interim agreement, signed last month, committed signatories to reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial traffic, with the U.S. lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran committed not to pursue nuclear weapons, and the U.S. agreed to allow Iranian oil sales and contribute to a reconstruction fund. The agreement also stipulated a 60-day halt to fighting, including between Israel and Hezbollah, while a final deal was negotiated.
Trump, however, suggested that U.S.-Iranian negotiations could continue, though he expressed skepticism. "I'll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don't see it," he said. He reiterated his administration's goal of "the denuclearization of Iran."
The president also commented on alleged Iranian assassination plots, stating he believes he remains a target. "They want to take out the U.S. leader -- me. I'm on every list," Trump said.
The escalating tensions led to a spike in oil prices, with U.S. oil trading up around 6% and global oil up more than 6% on Wednesday. Despite the recent attacks, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has continued, with over 100 ship transits reported between July 5 and July 7.