US-Iran tensions escalate as Trump ends ceasefire and threatens military action

Mourners gather at Al-Kufa Intersection Bridge at the start of the funeral procession for Iran’s slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf. President Donald Trump said the United States would hit Iran “hard” on Wednesday as he deemed their ceasefire over after fighting flared, but he left the door open to more talks. Efforts to end the Middle East war have taken a hit following the fighting sparked by Iranian attacks on ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic shipping route remains a flashpoint in the conflict, which began in late February with massive US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran insists on controlling the waterway, saying it will charge fees for passage and threatening to hit vessels that deviate from its authorised route. Its military struck at least three ships in recent days, prompting extensive US strikes against Iranian targets Tuesday followed by retaliatory attacks from Iran on Gulf countries.

“We’re gonna hit ’em hard tonight,” Trump said at a NATO summit in Ankara in reference to Iran, adding: “They violate the agreement every day.” When asked if the truce was intact, he had said earlier Wednesday that “as far as I’m concerned, it’s over”. “It’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” he added. “I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it.

[paywall]

I don’t like these people.” Oil prices jumped eight percent after Trump said the ceasefire was over, having already reached their highest level in two weeks. Both the US and Iran said they had hit dozens of targets, placing fresh strain on their interim deal to end the war.

[/paywall]