Trump Cancels Ceasefire, US Bombs Iran as Hormuz Tensions Explode
The United States has launched renewed military strikes against Iran after President Donald Trump stated he was no longer confident in pursuing a deal with Tehran, marking the collapse of a previously agreed ceasefire. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest strikes were a response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz. “The United States is holding Iran accountable for its recent unprovoked aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating vital international waterways,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
The strikes came just hours after Trump, speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, said he no longer believed in reaching an agreement with Iran. “I’m not sure I want to make a deal with them. We can play around, but I’m not sure I want to make a deal. Let’s just get the job done,” Trump said. He confirmed the ceasefire previously agreed with Iran had now ended, arguing that the leadership in Tehran had not acted rationally over the past one to two weeks. “I know them. But based on their actions over the last week or two, they are not serving the people,” he added.
Tensions peaked after Iran reportedly attacked three commercial ships in or near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to CENTCOM and the US-led Joint Maritime Information Centre. In response, Washington revoked sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales that had been part of the temporary ceasefire agreement. The US subsequently launched dozens of retaliatory strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and Tehran’s small boats, deepening the conflict in one of the world’s most strategic energy shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. Iran has the capability to disrupt vessel traffic in the area, including through threats of blockades or plans to impose tolls on passing ships. In retaliation, Trump had previously ordered a naval blockade of Iranian ports before lifting it under the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accused the US of violating the agreement. In a post on X, Baqaei claimed the deal granted Iran authority to regulate shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “The United States has challenged this clause and, in practice, violated the structure of the agreement through its unilateral actions and also aggressive attacks against Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran will steadfastly pursue the protection of its national interests and the exercise of its sovereignty,” he wrote. Trump closed the door on new talks, saying, “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. Trying to deal with the Islamic Republic is a waste of time. In my opinion, it’s over.”