Trump declares ceasefire with Iran over, but US accepts to resume talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire with Iran 'terminated' while confirming that Washington will continue negotiations with Tehran, a contradictory stance that leaves the fragile truce in limbo. The announcement, made on Friday via Truth Social, comes after weeks of escalating hostilities, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military targets and Iran's retaliatory attacks on American interests in the region.

The contradiction

Trump wrote that Iran requested to continue talks and the U.S. accepted, but added that Tehran was told 'in unequivocal terms that the ceasefire is OVER' Source: CNN. This ambiguity is typical of Trump's approach: he simultaneously threatens overwhelming force and seeks a diplomatic exit. He also told the New York Post that he left instructions for an 'overwhelming' military response if Iran attempts to assassinate him Source: La Voz.

Regional mediation

Qatar and Pakistan have stepped up diplomacy. A Qatari delegation traveled to Tehran, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke by phone with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reduce tensions Source: La Voz. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran is prepared for 'total defense' and that the conflict will never end with Iran's surrender Source: La Voz.

What's next?

The fragility of the ceasefire is highlighted by Iran's continued attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. The U.S. had previously imposed a blockade as a countermeasure, but it remains unclear whether it will be reinstated. Satellite images show activity at Iranian nuclear sites and missile bases, suggesting reconstruction after bombings in late June and early July Source: La Voz. Russia's Rosatom has resumed sending personnel to the Bushehr nuclear plant .