President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding is no longer viable following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels.
Trump spoke from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and described Iranian leaders as “scum” and “sick people.” He said the United States hit Iranian targets hard the previous night and warned of possible additional strikes that night.
The memorandum, signed on June 17 after a ceasefire on April 8, required Iran to halt attacks and allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange the United States suspended its naval blockade and eased some sanctions. The deal lasted 21 days before collapsing.
Iranian forces struck three commercial vessels in recent days, prompting U.S. strikes on more than 80 targets. Trump said further talks would be a waste of time and that the naval blockade could be restored. The Treasury Department rolled back sanctions relief on Tuesday, giving companies until July 17 to wind down existing deals.
