Donald Trump, United States president has declared that Washington’s interim understanding with Iran is effectively over, dismissing any further negotiations with Tehran after accusing its leaders of acting in bad faith, as fresh military exchanges and new aviation warnings raised fears of a wider regional crisis.

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Speaking at the NATO summit when asked whether the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran was dead, Trump left little doubt about his position.

“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them. They’re scum. They’re sick people. They’re led by sick people,” Trump said.

He accused Iran of failing to honour commitments made during negotiations.

“We make a deal. Everyone’s agreed, no nuclear weapon. We make a deal, they go outside, talk to the press, they say we never even talked about it. There’s something wrong with them. They’re cuckoo. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” he said.

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Trump added that while Iran remained free to continue discussions, he no longer saw any value in the talks.

“They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time.”

His remarks mark the strongest indication yet that the fragile understanding, which had temporarily eased hostilities between the two countries, may have collapsed.

The latest escalation came as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency warned airlines against flying through Iraqi and Iranian airspace because of the growing risk of further military action.

According to the agency, the safety bulletin will remain in force until August 31. The previous advisory, which expires on Wednesday, also covered Lebanon. Airlines have also been urged to exercise caution when operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry said recent actions by Washington, including the withdrawal of Iran’s oil sales licence and fresh military strikes, had made parts of the current ceasefire ineffective.

Read also: Hormuz shipping attacks surge in biggest test of US-Iran truce

According to the ministry, interference with Iran’s arrangements for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz has made the interim truce increasingly difficult to sustain.

Iran also warned countries hosting United States military bases not to allow their territory to be used for further attacks against the country.

The statement came hours after Tehran announced that it had launched missile and drone attacks on United States targets in Bahrain and Kuwait, signalling a sharp escalation in the confrontation despite efforts to preserve the ceasefire.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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