The ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to have collapsed following a new wave of military strikes and sharp exchanges between both governments.

Speaking at a NATO summit in Turkey, United States President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire was effectively over, saying he no longer wished to engage with Iran.

Trump described Iranian leaders as “sick people” and dismissed further negotiations, stating that although officials from both countries could continue talks, he believed they were “wasting their time.”

The renewed tensions come after the United States announced late Tuesday that it had launched strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets.

According to US officials, the operation was carried out in response to attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, although Iran has not directly claimed responsibility for the incident.

Iran responded by announcing strikes targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Reacting to the developments, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the US military action, describing the strikes as “absolutely necessary” and accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire.

However, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, rejected the accusation, insisting that it was the United States that breached the truce.

The latest escalation comes only a month after Tehran and Washington signed a 14-page memorandum of understanding intended to extend the ceasefire and bring an end to hostilities on all fronts.

The renewed exchange of attacks has cast serious doubt on the future of diplomatic efforts between the two countries, with concerns growing over the possibility of further instability in the Middle East.