Trump Threatens to Strike Iran on Wednesday Night
US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran again on Wednesday (July 8th) after declaring that the initial ceasefire agreement with Tehran was "over." However, Trump has not yet clarified whether Washington will re-enter full-scale war with Iran.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump criticized Iranian officials who he said were not complying with the negotiated agreement. He also warned that the United States would likely launch additional strikes on Wednesday night, after US forces had previously struck Iranian targets.
Earlier, Trump said that the memorandum of understanding that formed the basis of the initial ceasefire between the United States and Iran was no longer valid. This statement immediately shook the market and sent oil prices soaring, as investors again worried about the risk of supply disruptions from the Middle East.
Trump reiterated that Washington's primary goal was to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. However, he signaled that this goal might be achieved without a new deal, as he considered Tehran untrustworthy in the negotiating process.
Tensions escalated after Iran announced it had targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. The attacks were said to be in retaliation for American forces striking Iranian targets in response to incidents involving tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
This latest escalation has further heightened concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy supply routes. Shipping data shows at least four oil and gas tankers have turned around rather than transit the waterway, signaling a renewed increase in risks to global energy shipping.
Source: newsmaker.id
