Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States following President Donald Trump’s announcement that an interim agreement intended to ease tensions between the two nations is now “over.” Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the Gulf region, asserting that the president’s decision brings the area closer to conflict. He cautioned that Iran is ready to respond swiftly to any further military actions, emphasizing that the nation has its “finger on the trigger” and will not stay silent in the face of what it perceives as aggression and provocations.
President Trump made these remarks during a speech at the NATO summit, declaring that he no longer views the ceasefire agreement as valid. This stance comes after Iran launched attacks on U.S. military bases located in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Iranian attacks were a response to U.S. strikes targeting Iranian sites, which followed assaults on commercial vessels in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
In his address, Trump also suggested that additional military actions against Iran could be forthcoming. He indicated that U.S. forces might conduct further strikes if Iran continues its current path. Moreover, the president hinted at potential targets, including significant Iranian infrastructure such as Kharg Island, should Tehran persist with its actions.
The exchange of threats between the two nations has further eroded hopes of reviving the ceasefire and has stoked fears of a more extensive conflict in the Gulf region. The ongoing tensions have not only posed risks to regional security but have also disrupted global energy markets, as the area remains a critical hub for oil transportation.