Trump Declares Ceasefire Over as US-Iran Tensions Escalate After Gulf Attacks

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran on Wednesday, calling the country a "cancer" during remarks alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Ankara. His comments came amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf following an Iranian missile attack on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described Iran as a "bunch of scoundrels" and accused them of wanting to eliminate him, stating, "We need to eliminate the cancer early." When asked if the ceasefire was over, he replied, "In my eyes, it is over," though he added that negotiations could continue.

The US military responded to the Iranian attack by striking over 80 targets in Iran overnight, targeting what Trump called "very dangerous people." Iran retaliated by attacking more than 85 targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, claiming the deaths of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member and two others. Kuwait’s military reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones without damage. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and warned regional states against allowing the US to use their territories for strikes against Iran.

Amid the rising conflict, US Defense Secretary Pete Ghessee canceled a planned visit to Israel. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US government’s hosting of the World Cup, accusing it of bullying and lawbreaking. Senior Iranian officials, including Mohsen Rezaei and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, issued strong statements rejecting US pressure and emphasizing Iran’s refusal to back down.

The Gulf states condemned Iran’s attacks on their territories and commercial shipping, with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates warning of their right to defend sovereignty and security. Regional mediators reportedly began sending messages to Washington and Tehran urging de-escalation. Official US-Iran negotiations remain frozen following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the initial phase of the "Tiger Roar" operation.

The situation underscores the fragile and volatile security environment in the Gulf, with both sides exchanging heavy strikes and rhetoric, raising fears of further escalation.