Express News | Trump: Agrees to continue negotiations with Iran, but the ceasefire has ended
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as U.S. forces stated they were launching strikes against Iran and explosions were heard in multiple Iranian locations.
On July 12, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, prohibiting all vessel traffic until the United States ceases its intervention. The U.S. military declared it would strike Iran in response to attacks on civilian vessels in the strait. Explosions were subsequently reported in southern Iran, including in Bushehr, Asaluyeh, Qeshm Island, and Chabahar Port. The IRGC warned that if the U.S. uses this as a pretext for new attacks, Iran will respond forcefully and target additional U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Inside NATO Summit’s 48 Hours: Trump’s Emotional Rollercoaster Shakes the Globe
During his 48 hours in Ankara, Turkey, Trump nearly became the focal point of global diplomatic momentum. Markets, allies, Ukraine, and Iran all swiftly adjusted their expectations based on his statements.
Day Two After the 'End' of the Ceasefire: U.S. Expands Strikes, Iranian Retaliation Reaches Qatar Base, Trump Fights and Negotiates Simultaneously
The U.S. military's second wave of airstrikes expanded to the Bushehr region, striking approximately 90 military targets. Iran retaliated by launching drones for the first time against U.S. military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, prompting multiple Gulf states to activate air defense alerts. Although Trump stated he did not believe another war would break out, the conflict continues to spill over, causing significant volatility in international oil prices.
Military tensions have escalated sharply, with both countries adopting firm stances, putting the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding at risk.
“In my view, it’s over,” U.S. President Trump said on May 8 in Ankara, Turkey, during the NATO summit, when asked about the memorandum of understanding with Iran.
Trump: 'May strike Iran again tonight'; issue remains nuclear weapons; Iran: Will respond 'immediately' to any adventurism'
On July 8, during the NATO summit in Turkey, U.S. President Trump said that American forces would 'very likely strike Iran hard again tonight.'