Trump says US has ‘agreed’ to continue Iran talks but ceasefire ‘over’

United States President Donald Trump announced via social media that the US has consented to Iran's request to resume negotiations, though he simultaneously declared the June 17 ceasefire terminated. In his statement, Trump emphasized that Washington had communicated unambiguously to Iran that the cessation of hostilities was no longer in effect. Iran did not immediately confirm whether it had formally requested continued talks, continuing a pattern of divergent accounts between the two nations regarding their diplomatic and military interactions.

The announcement coincides with an intensification of military operations between the US and Iran. Over a two-day period, both sides conducted strikes targeting commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, American forces have targeted approximately 170 Iranian targets since Tuesday, with Iran subsequently retaliating against US assets throughout the region. This exchange represents the most significant threat to the June 17 memorandum of understanding since its signing, which had called for an immediate cessation of fighting across all fronts, removal of the US naval blockade on Iran, and reopening of the strait.

Trump's statement did not specify whether proposed talks would focus on renewing efforts to end the broader conflict or address issues designated for resolution within 60 days of the memorandum's signing. These outstanding matters include Iran's nuclear program, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and administration of the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier in the week, Trump had indicated the US was not pursuing full-scale renewed warfare with Iran, despite threatening strikes against Iranian oil and water infrastructure, seizure of Kharg Island, and reinstatement of the naval blockade.

Qatar has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the escalating crisis. According to reporting from Doha, Qatari officials were visiting Iran to de-escalate tensions and establish conditions for broader negotiations potentially occurring in Qatar or Pakistan. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, stated on social media that he had appealed to both the US and Iran to honor their commitments in a conversation with Egypt's foreign minister. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide immediate comment on these diplomatic efforts.