U.S. President Donald Trump declared at the NATO Summit in Turkey that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is over, while delivering some of his strongest remarks yet against Iran’s leadership.
Asked by reporters about ongoing contacts between the two countries, Trump said negotiators are free to continue discussions but insisted they serve no meaningful purpose.
“They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time. Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them,” Trump said.
The U.S. president added that he would allow American negotiators to continue talks if they wished, but stressed that he personally no longer sees any prospect for productive dialogue.
Referring to the ceasefire, Trump stated, “I think it’s over,” adding that, as far as he is concerned, the matter is finished.
“I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum. It’s a waste of time dealing with them because they’re liars,” he said.
During his address at the NATO summit, Trump described Iran’s leadership as “bad people,” “sick,” and “crazy,” while reiterating the long-standing U.S. position that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Citing attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as strikes targeting sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, Trump accused Iran of escalating tensions across the region.
“These are bad, sick people. They are a cancer, and you know what has to be done — cancer has to be removed as early as possible,” the U.S. president said.
Trump’s comments come amid sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military exchanges and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
