Iran hits back at Trump after he insists truce is over

Iran asserted on Saturday that it has "kept its word" regarding a ceasefire with the United States, a statement issued after President Donald Trump declared the truce finished but indicated a willingness for further negotiations. This exchange marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, following recent exchanges of fire that jeopardized a fragile agreement aimed at establishing lasting peace and threatened a return to regional conflict.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!

President Trump escalated tensions with a post on his Truth Social platform, threatening to "completely decimate" Iran should it attempt or succeed in assassinating him. This came just a day after he agreed to further talks with Iran, despite reiterating his stance that the ceasefire was over, mere weeks after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue peace. While direct talks between Iran and the U.S. have not occurred since last month, Iranian media reported that a delegation from mediator Qatar visited Tehran following the recent strikes.

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It's just a waste of time dealing with them.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded forcefully on Saturday, insisting that Tehran "has so far kept its word, unlike the so-called US Treasury Secretary who is violating Para 9 of the MoU." This refers to a clause in the memorandum of understanding stipulating that Iran would "maintain the current status quo of its nuclear programme," and the United States "will not impose any new sanctions, and will not deploy additional forces in the region," pending a final agreement. Araghchi added, "That violation follows other violations and missteps by the United States. Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance."

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has so far kept its word, unlike the so-called US Treasury Secretary who is violating Para 9 of the MoU

The hostile rhetoric emerged as reports indicated Washington had set a Saturday deadline for Tehran to cease firing on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and acknowledge the waterway's openness. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, is a major point of contention between the U.S. and Iran. Tehran had effectively closed the strategic waterway in response to war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February, asserting its right to control Hormuz, which includes Iranian and Omani territorial waters, and expressing a desire to impose transit fees.

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That violation follows other violations and missteps by the United States. Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance.