The U.S. and Iran have engaged in a series of intense strikes over the past two days, with both nations trading attacks in the Middle East. According to the president, the memorandum of understanding with Iran is "over," following the exchange of strikes.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with more attacks, saying that the U.S. will "hit them very hard again tonight." This comes after the U.S. launched strikes across Iran late Wednesday night, targeting a military base in Bushehr and another port city in Chabahar. Iranian military officials have accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire agreement.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called Tehran's decision to carry out the attacks "a mistake," and has said that negotiations between the two countries will continue despite the escalation of violence. Macron has maintained contact with Iran throughout the war and has previously sought to be a mediator between the sides.
Trump has also suggested that the U.S. may reimpose a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, following a series of commercial ships being attacked near the strait overnight. The U.S. first imposed its blockade after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has defended the U.S. strikes, saying that they were "absolutely necessary" to respond to Iran's violations of the ceasefire agreement. Iranian officials have accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire and have vowed to stand "firmly for our rights."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has compared the U.S. foreign policy to its conduct as the host of the FIFA World Cup, saying that the U.S. government's actions are "bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating." Pezeshkian has vowed that Iran will reject such games and stand firmly for its rights.
