Trump Declares Iran Peace Deal ‘Over’ as New Strikes Ignite Gulf Conflict

Fragile Ceasefire Collapses Amid Renewed Military Hostilities

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially declared an interim peace agreement with Iran to be “over” following a series of retaliatory strikes and counter-strikes in the Persian Gulf. Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump signaled a return to a maximum-pressure stance, labeling the Iranian leadership as “sick people” and a “waste of time.” The collapse of the memorandum of understanding, which was aimed at ending the war that began in late February, has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and raised the specter of a broader regional conflagration.

Military Escalation in Bahrain and Kuwait

The latest flare-up began after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched a joint missile and drone operation targeting U.S. military sites, specifically the Fifth Naval District in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Iranian officials claimed the strikes were in response to U.S. interference in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a massive wave of strikes against more than 60 Iranian small boats and military targets in Bandar Abbas and Sirik. President Trump warned that additional strikes were imminent, stating, “We’re going to hit them hard tonight.”

Global Energy Markets and Diplomatic Fallout

The impact of the renewed fighting was felt immediately in the global economy. Brent crude oil prices surged over five percent to reach $78.48 per barrel, the highest jump in months. Ship-tracking data showed multiple oil and gas tankers diverting from the Strait of Hormuz after several vessels were damaged. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the U.S. response as “absolutely necessary,” Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, accused Washington of bullying and violating the terms of the original ceasefire.

A Dangerous New Phase

The current situation marks a sharp reversal from last month’s cautious optimism regarding Iran’s new leadership under Mojtaba Khamenei. With the peace deal discarded, the focus shifts to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has threatened a “crushing response” to any further U.S. naval interference. As air raid sirens continue to sound in Gulf states, the international community remains on high alert for a potential escalation into full-scale war.