Trump declares Iran ceasefire 'over' amid renewed military escalation

US President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire with Iran effectively "over," signalling a sharp deterioration in relations after renewed military exchanges between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (July 8) on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said he no longer wanted any engagement with Tehran when asked whether the ceasefire agreement remained in effect.

"I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them anymore," he said, describing Iran's leadership as "violent" and claiming the country would use nuclear weapons if it possessed them.

Despite his remarks, Trump said US negotiators could continue discussions on a broader nuclear agreement, though he questioned the value of further diplomacy, arguing Washington was "wasting time" talking to Tehran.

The comments came after a fresh surge in hostilities. Following attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched overnight strikes on multiple Iranian targets. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by firing missiles and drones at US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Washington and Tehran.

Trump defended the US operation, saying Iran had attacked commercial shipping and that American forces responded with overwhelming force.

The latest escalation has unfolded as Iran observes the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with any planned diplomatic contacts effectively on hold. Tehran has yet to issue an official response to Trump's declaration that the ceasefire has ended.

The renewed confrontation has also rattled global markets. Oil prices climbed following the latest attacks, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency advised airlines to avoid the airspace over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until August 31, citing heightened regional security risks.