Speaking during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump made his position clear when asked whether the truce with Iran was still in effect.
“I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them any more, they’re scum,” Trump told reporters, adding that he no longer believes negotiations with Tehran are worthwhile.
The remarks came just hours after renewed military strikes and retaliatory attacks reignited hostilities in the region. The latest escalation follows reports of U.S. operations targeting Iranian positions after attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Trump’s comments immediately rattled global financial markets, with oil prices surging by more than five percent as investors feared prolonged instability in the Middle East and possible disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude climbed sharply while U.S. benchmark crude also recorded significant gains.
Despite declaring the ceasefire “over,” reports indicate that diplomatic channels have not been completely shut down, although the prospects for meaningful negotiations now appear increasingly uncertain. The renewed conflict has intensified international concern, with several countries urging both sides to exercise restraint and avoid a wider regional war.
Analysts warn that continued military escalation could have far-reaching consequences, including higher global fuel prices, increased inflation, and further instability across the Middle East.
