Trump Says Iran Peace Talks Will Continue Despite Latest Strikes—Repeats Ceasefire Is ‘Over’

The U.S. and Iran will continue peace talks even as the two sides have escalated strikes against each other this week, President Donald Trump said Friday, signaling a willingness to negotiate as both countries have struggled to find meaningful progress since a “memorandum of understanding” was signed last month.Key factsTrump said Iran asked to continue peace talks and that the U.S. agreed, though he noted the U.S. “has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!”The U.S. has repeatedly launched attacks against Iran in recent weeks, accusing the country of violating the ceasefire by striking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that has become one of the largest points of contention between the U.S. and Iran as diplomats seek an end to hostilities.Trump said Wednesday the ceasefire reached with Iran last month was “over,” saying further negotiations were a “waste of time.”The president renewed threats this week to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure and suggested “taking over Kharg Island,” which is estimated to account for 90% of Iran’s oil exports.Chief criticMohammad Marandi, an Iranian professor and media commentator who often defends Iran, said in a Friday post on X to “ignore Trump,” adding, “There will be no talks until the Trump regime follows through on its commitments.”Big number5.5%. That is how much Brent crude oil futures have risen in the last five days of trading.Key backgroundIran launched strikes against U.S. assets in Bahrain and Kuwait earlier this week in response to strikes from the U.S. The two sides have jockeyed for control over the Strait of Hormuz, which was briefly opened after the “memorandum of understanding” was signed last month. The agreement also called for an immediate end to military operations between the U.S., Iran and their allies, setting up a 60-day period for negotiations. Talks between the two countries have largely revolved around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program, which Trump wants dismantled as Iran has expressed openness to cap its uranium enrichment and re-open international inspections.