US President: Understanding with Iran has ended, and I have no desire to reach an agreement

Istanbul, July 8 (KUNA) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concluded between the United States and Iran is “over” for him and that he no longer wishes to reach an agreement with Tehran. He made these remarks in a press statement on Wednesday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, ahead of the alliance’s 36th summit at the Presidential Complex in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Trump addressed the MoU between Washington and Tehran, expressing his belief that “it is over for me,” and indicated that he would instruct U.S. negotiators to halt talks with Iran. The U.S. president added that he does not want to engage with Iranian officials, considering such interactions “a mere waste of time.”

Trump’s comments follow the announcement by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday evening of a series of strikes against Iran in response to attacks that targeted three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington and Tehran had signed an MoU on June 18, stipulating a ceasefire, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while negotiations were underway to reach a final agreement mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. (End)