Trump Says US and Iran Will Continue Talks but Declares Ceasefire Is Over
President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran have agreed to continue diplomatic talks despite renewed military tensions, while declaring that the ceasefire reached last month is no longer in effect. His comments came after a week of escalating attacks in the Persian Gulf that threatened regional stability and pushed global oil prices higher.
Although both sides appear willing to keep communication channels open, disagreements over the ceasefire and continued violence in the Strait of Hormuz have raised fresh concerns about the risk of a broader conflict.
Why did Trump say the ceasefire is over?
Trump announced Friday that the United States would continue negotiations with Iran but insisted the previous ceasefire had effectively ended.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!"
Iran disputed Trump's account, saying it had not requested direct talks with Washington. Iranian state media reported instead that Tehran had agreed to receive a Qatari mediator as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
What sparked the latest tensions?
The renewed friction followed a week of military exchanges in the Persian Gulf.
According to U.S. officials, commercial tankers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia came under attack earlier this week, prompting American strikes on Iranian military sites. Iran then responded by launching attacks against U.S. military facilities in Gulf countries.
No new attacks were reported Friday as regional mediators worked to prevent further escalation.
What did Trump say about threats against him?
Trump also issued a warning directed at Iran over alleged assassination threats.
In another Truth Social post, he said:
"1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran."
He added that the U.S. military was prepared to respond if Iran attempted to assassinate him.
The comments followed reports by several U.S. media outlets that Israel had shared intelligence with Washington regarding an alleged Iranian plot targeting Trump.
Iran did not immediately respond to Trump's latest remarks.
What role is Qatar playing?
Qatar has continued efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said Qatari officials met with Iranian leaders to discuss reducing tensions and addressing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travelled to Oman to discuss ensuring safe maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute because it serves as one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.
Before the conflict began, roughly 20% of global oil supplies passed through the strait.
U.S. officials said Washington is demanding that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on commercial shipping and guarantee unrestricted access to the waterway.
Iran has maintained that it has the authority to regulate shipping in the strait during the current conflict.
What has been the impact of the conflict?
Iranian health officials said U.S. strikes carried out Wednesday and Thursday killed 17 people and wounded 115 others.
Meanwhile, renewed fighting has driven oil prices higher after several weeks of declines, increasing fuel costs for consumers and adding pressure to the global economy.
Despite the latest violence, U.S. officials said discussions between Washington and Tehran have remained constructive in recent days.
Iran's Foreign Ministry warned that any violation of existing commitments by the United States would trigger what it described as a "reciprocal action."
Questions About the US-Iran Talks
Is the United States still negotiating with Iran?
Yes. President Trump said both countries have agreed to continue diplomatic talks despite renewed military tensions.
Why did Trump say the ceasefire is over?
Trump argued that recent attacks in the Persian Gulf effectively ended the ceasefire reached last month, although Iran disputes his characterisation.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply typically passes.
Have attacks continued?
No new attacks were reported Friday, although military exchanges earlier in the week heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict.
While diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran remain active, the latest military exchanges underscore how fragile the situation has become. Regional mediators continue working to prevent further escalation, but disagreements over maritime security and the future of the ceasefire are likely to remain central issues in the coming negotiations.
