Following Iran's attack on three merchant ships, the US is firing on Iranian targets. US President Trump describes negotiations with Tehran as a "waste of time.".
The US launched several airstrikes against Iranian targets overnight into Wednesday. The military cited Iran's shelling of three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the reason. "Iran's aggression was unjustified, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire," the Central Command, which oversees the region, stated.
According to the US military, forces struck more than 80 targets by early Wednesday morning, including radar installations, anti-shipping facilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to the Revolutionary Guard. The military stated it was prepared for further attacks if Iran did not adhere to the ceasefire agreement reached in mid-June.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have attacked 85 "US targets" in the region, including in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Foreign Ministry in Tehran stated that the US attacks had invalidated "significant parts" of the memorandum of understanding. Tehran called on countries in the region to prohibit the US from using its bases.
Trump: Negotiations are a waste of time
On the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital, Ankara, US President Donald Trump (Republican) launched a scathing attack on the Iranian regime. Its representatives are "scum," he told reporters on Wednesday in the presence of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. "They are vicious, violent people. If they had a nuclear bomb, they would use it."
Trump went on to say that Iranian politicians were "liars and cheats." As an example, he cited an agreement that Iran would not acquire a nuclear weapon. However, the Iranians had claimed to journalists that this had not been discussed at all.
Trump sees little chance for negotiations between the US and Iran. In his view, they are "over," even if talks continue for the time being. "As far as I'm concerned, it's a waste of time."
Rutte stated that dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile program was "crucial for Israel, the region, and the entire world." The Dutchman described the recent attacks as "absolutely necessary.".
Sanctions reimposed
Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday. The ships were damaged, but reports indicate there were no injuries.
In response, the US reinstated Iranian oil trading on its sanctions list. A US government official told CNBC: "Iran will only benefit if it behaves properly." He added that the actions in the Strait of Hormuz were "completely unacceptable.".
The US lifted sanctions following the memorandum of understanding agreed upon on June 18. In the memorandum, the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. The document also provided for two months of negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting agreement. (Israelnetz)
