Donald Trump has said the US has agreed to continue talks with Iran after recent clashes but stressed in “no uncertain terms” that the ceasefire was over.
The US president gave the update in a post on his Truth Social platform having earlier in the week branded the Tehran leadership “scum” and said it was “a waste of time” dealing with the regime.
Renewed Hostilities and Maritime Disruption
It follows recent exchanges of fire between the two sides over the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway, which had tested the fragile truce. The renewed hostilities broke out on Tuesday after Iran targeted three tankers in the strait, which has remained a flashpoint.
The trading of strikes has again caused severe disruption to maritime traffic in the critical sea route as well as casting doubt on securing a permanent end to the conflict, launched by the US and Israel on February 28.
Trump’s Statement and Ceasefire Status
Mr Trump said: “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!”
Mr Trump has also suggested the US could reimpose its blockade of Iranian ports, having already pulled Tehran’s licence to sell oil.
Sanctions and Financier Crackdown
On Friday, the US Treasury moved to crack down on a key financier to the Tehran regime, Dubai-based banker and businessman Ali Ansari, previously sanctioned by Britain for his role in financially supporting the activities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz Deal
Prior to the latest flare-up, negotiations between the two sides had been due to restart following the burial of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the conflict.
Ending Tehran’s stranglehold on the strait, which disrupted global oil and gas supplies and drove up fuel and food prices, had been a key demand in previous negotiations. However, the initial deal reached between the US and Iran only provides for safe, toll-free passage of the waterway for 60 days, pending the outcome of a final agreement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear plans.
The pact also leaves it to Iran and Oman, in conjunction with other Gulf states, to “define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz”.
Iran’s Leverage and Shipping Impact
In the meantime, Iran has continued to try to exert leverage over the channel, including demanding ships seek permission to transit and raising the spectre of future charges. The US military has sought to counter claims by Iran that it controls the sea route and that transit is only permitted through its approved designated routes.
Nevertheless, shipping using the channel has plummeted following the recent fighting, with traffic already well down compared to before the war.
