Trump: This is just wasting time
Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to terminate diplomatic relations with Iran, referring to the Iranian leadership as “vermin.” He expressed his views during a recent statement, emphasizing that he no longer wishes to engage with them, stating, “I think it’s over. I don’t want anything to do with them because they are vermin. You know what vermin is? They are vermin. They’re sick people, and they’re run by sick people.”
Trump indicated that he plans to discuss the revival of military action with a team representing Washington in negotiations with Tehran. He reiterated his belief that dealing with Iran is simply a “waste of time.”
In related military developments, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced strikes on Iranian air defense systems and military infrastructure, along with attacks on vessels from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby areas. The operations aim to prevent assaults on international merchant ships, which have resumed. CENTCOM reported that three tankers sustained damage during these operations.
Context
- The active phase of the conflict between Iran and the U.S. began on February 28 of this year, when the U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes in Iran, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- On May 28, the U.S. and Iran reached a 60-day ceasefire agreement, initiating talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. On June 1, Trump stated that he had fulfilled Iran’s condition for ceasing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.
- On the night of June 18, the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to conclude the war, but subsequent attacks ensued shortly after.
