US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is effectively over after both sides exchanged fresh military strikes, raising fears of renewed escalation in the Middle East.
Speaking at a NATO summit, Trump said he saw little value in further talks with Tehran and described Iranian leaders as "sick people."
"As far as I`m concerned, it`s over," he said, while acknowledging that negotiators could still continue discussions.
The latest flare-up followed US strikes on more than 80 Iranian-linked targets after attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the tanker incidents.
Tehran later announced retaliatory strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the US action, saying it was necessary and accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected the allegation, saying Washington had broken the truce first.
The renewed confrontation comes despite a 14-page memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington last month, which had been intended to reinforce the ceasefire and move the conflict toward an end.
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