The fragile pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran has collapsed after a new wave of military strikes, with US President Donald Trump declaring that the agreement with Tehran is effectively over.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump said he considered the interim understanding with Iran no longer valid, while accusing Tehran of failing to meet the expectations of negotiations.
He added that discussions could continue through US representatives, but questioned the value of further engagement with the Iranian leadership.
The latest escalation follows US strikes on Iranian targets, which Washington described as retaliatory action after Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command said Iranian military infrastructure was targeted during the strikes.
Iran condemned the attacks and responded with strikes targeting US positions in Kuwait and Bahrain, further increasing concerns over the security situation in the Gulf region.
The developments have renewed fears over stability in one of the world’s most strategically important regions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments and international maritime trade.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Iran must recognize the need for serious negotiations, while stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said diplomatic efforts could still provide a path toward de-escalation despite the renewed confrontation, dw.com reports.
Meanwhile, reports from Iran indicated explosions in the southern port city of Bushehr, an area of strategic importance due to its energy infrastructure.
The latest developments have placed Gulf countries on heightened alert as regional and international leaders continue to monitor the rapidly changing security situation.
