Iranian leaders scum, ceasefire is over, says Trump

US President Donald Trump dramatically declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" on Wednesday, unleashing a torrent of insults against the nation and its leadership. Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump blasted Iran as "scum" and "cuckoo" after the US launched strikes on the Islamic Republic overnight, which Iran's Guards responded to by targeting US bases in the Gulf. The exchange sent oil prices jumping five percent.

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I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them any more, they’re scum.

Trump's fiery rhetoric extended to his frustration with NATO allies, whom he accused of failing to support the US in its actions against Iran, which he identified as the world's leading state sponsor of terror. "I'm not happy with NATO because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror, that's Iran," Trump stated. He recounted conversations with leaders from the UK, Germany, and France, claiming they were unwilling to assist.

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They’re scum, they’re sick people, they’re led by sick people, and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it.

Despite the US military confirming strikes on over 80 targets, including Iranian speedboats, in response to attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump indicated a willingness for negotiators to continue dialogue, though he personally expressed disinterest. "Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them. Now, I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it," he said, labeling the Iranians as "liars."

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Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them. Now, I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it.

NATO chief Mark Rutte, however, backed the US strikes, calling them "absolutely necessary" and a "very strong response." Rutte's efforts to placate Trump, whom he referred to as "Daddy" at a previous summit, did little to shift the US president's stance on the perceived lack of support from the alliance.

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I’m not happy with NATO because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror, that’s Iran. They were unwilling to help us.