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US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran was "over" on Wednesday, after the two countries exchanged fresh strikes that threatened to unravel last month's interim agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said continuing to deal with Tehran was "a waste of time," and called Iranian leaders "liars," "scum," and "sick people."

"I think it's over," Trump told reporters when asked whether the ceasefire was still in place. "I don't want to deal with them any more, they're scum," he added, according to multiple accounts of the remarks. The president said US negotiators could continue talks, but suggested they would be futile: "They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time."

Coverage comparison

The announcement was reported by several international outlets, each highlighting different elements. ABC Australia focused on Trump's declaration and the US strikes, without detailing the broader regional context. Al Jazeera, in one report, framed the story around the analysis of a former US ambassador who said Tehran miscalculated Trump's resolve, while another Al Jazeera piece described the current crisis in the region. BBC — World noted the impact on the Strait of Hormuz and included Trump's harsher language, including "scum" and "cuckoo." Deutsche Welle emphasised the international response, including NATO and German reactions, while South China Morning Post and The Hindu — World provided detailed accounts of the announcement and the military exchanges.

Key claims

Trump made the statement at a NATO summit in the Turkish capital, a detail confirmed by multiple sources. The triggering events were fresh attacks: the US launched dozens of strikes on Iran in retaliation for what it said were Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's traded oil passes. Iran said it targeted 85 US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation, and also claimed to have shot down an American MQ-9 drone. The US additionally revoked its temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

Trump's language was notably harsh, with several outlets quoting him as saying the Iranians were "vicious, violent people" who would use a nuclear weapon if they had one. He also referenced his negotiators, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, but insisted it was up to Tehran to return to the table. The president's remarks came after a promised pause in US attacks during the funeral processions for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US and Israeli operation, according to Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

US administration: President Trump declared the ceasefire over, describing Iran's leadership in derogatory terms. He indicated US representatives could continue negotiations but expressed deep skepticism about their value, according to South China Morning Post and ABC Australia.

Iranian officials: Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of violating the memorandum of understanding and said, "The era of bullying and extortion is over... we don't fold," as reported by The Hindu and Al Jazeera. Iranian leaders said they would never surrender, according to an Al Jazeera video report.

NATO Secretary General: Mark Rutte said the US strikes on Iran were "absolutely necessary," a claim carried by Deutsche Welle (single source).

German Foreign Minister: Johann Wadephul said Iran must understand that "serious negotiations" are necessary and that further military strikes are warranted. He expressed hope that the ceasefire could still serve as a foundation for talks, according to Deutsche Welle.

Former US Ambassador: A former US ambassador, speaking to Al Jazeera, said Iran miscalculated Trump's resolve, suggesting Tehran believed the president would back down.