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New Delhi : US President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire with Iran “over,” signalling a dramatic escalation in tensions after fresh American military strikes targeted key Iranian military infrastructure. The announcement, made during the NATO Summit 2026 in Ankara alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, has intensified concerns over the possibility of a broader regional conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the prospects of further diplomatic engagement with Tehran, saying he no longer believed negotiations were worthwhile. When asked whether the reported ceasefire and the proposed 14-point memorandum of understanding were still in effect, Trump responded bluntly, “For me, I think it’s over,” indicating that Washington no longer viewed the agreement as meaningful.
His remarks came shortly after the United States launched a new wave of military operations against Iranian targets. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck Iranian air defence systems, command-and-control facilities, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities and more than 60 boats linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US officials said the operation was designed to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten international maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
Washington stated that the strikes were carried out in response to alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ships identified by US authorities include the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity. The US administration maintained that its military response was necessary to safeguard international shipping and ensure freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and other Gulf locations following the American operation. However, at the time of reporting, Iranian authorities and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had not officially commented on either the reported retaliatory strikes or Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire had effectively ended.
The latest developments mark another dangerous turn in the already fragile relationship between Washington and Tehran. With military actions replacing diplomatic engagement, fears are mounting that the confrontation could spiral into a wider regional crisis involving multiple Gulf nations.
The renewed hostilities also carry significant implications for global energy markets, maritime security and international stability, as world leaders closely monitor whether fresh diplomatic efforts can prevent the conflict from escalating into a prolonged military confrontation.
