Amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire between the two countries is over.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump clarified that Iran had sought more negotiations and hence the US agreed to continue talks.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump's post read.
However, Trump reportedly does not want the oil prices to go up again as he pointed out that any escalation with Iran would be quick and not lead to a full-scale war.
After the US targeted Iran's two provinces, Tehran on Thursday struck US military installations in the Gulf states. According to a Reuters report, the daily tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed on Friday amid airstrikes targeting vessels.
A Qatari delegation on Friday visited Iran in a bid to de-escalate tensions and create conditions for broader negotiations.
Tehran on Friday warned Washington that it will strike Israel if its infrastructure is targeted again. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Council, said Israel will not be spared if the US attacks continue.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz renewed threats that his nation is also ready to confront Iran if needed. The Israel military "is on alert and ready to renew the campaign, to reestablish aerial ssuperiority, and to carry out a blue-white (Israeli) strike in Iran to remove threats, even for a third time," Katz said, "If we will have to return, we will retuen with even greater force."
