While attending the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump renewed threats of military action against Iran. He stated that the ceasefire with Tehran had ended and issued a brief warning that further strikes could occur on the night of 8 July.
Trump indicated the United States would carry out additional attacks on Iran, increasing pressure on the country and raising fears of renewed full-scale conflict.
He told reporters that American forces had struck Iran hard the previous night and might do so again. Trump added he was not satisfied with the situation and offered only a limited warning before any next steps.
The remarks came hours after US forces hit Iranian targets and ended an exemption that had permitted Tehran to export oil worldwide. Washington described both moves as responses to attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which it attributed to Iran.
Trump claimed the recent strikes had a major effect, saying they destroyed radar systems that Iran was attempting to restore, though he provided no supporting evidence.
He warned that the United States could target additional sites if needed, including electricity production facilities and desalination plants, while expressing reluctance to take such measures.
Asked about the direction of the conflict, Trump suggested military operations were not finished. He repeated that Iran had acted improperly by using drones and missiles against commercial ships.
Trump also said the ceasefire had effectively collapsed. Although talks might continue, he questioned their usefulness and described them as a waste of time.
He outlined the US aim as removing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, expressing irritation with Iranian negotiators and suggesting the United States might proceed without any agreement.
US Central Command reported that its forces had attacked Iranian military sites, including air defences, radar installations and more than sixty small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to limit threats to shipping.
The escalation caused Brent crude prices to rise more than five percent amid worries over oil supply disruptions. Central Command stated it remained ready to respond if agreements were not followed, while noting the latest strikes had ended.
