Trump Says End of MOU with Iran Seems Likely, Calls Them 'Scum'

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 8 (local time) that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities signed with Iran "seems to be over."

According to reports from AP and AFP, President Trump made the remarks while meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the NATO summit held in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, stating, "I don't want to deal with them."

This statement came shortly after armed clashes between the U.S. and Iran reignited over the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to Iran's attack on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz the previous day, the U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on approximately 80 targets within Iran. In retaliation, Iran struck 85 U.S. military facilities located in countries including Kuwait and Bahrain.

Therefore, President Trump's remarks on this day are interpreted as an acknowledgment that the ceasefire agreement has effectively been scrapped, as follow-up negotiations with Iran have stalled and armed conflict has resumed.

President Trump, in particular, unleashed harsh criticism toward Iran, calling them "scum" and "terrible people," and adding, "If they had nuclear weapons, they would use them."

While leaving room for the possibility that his U.S. delegation, including Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, could speak with Iran, President Trump reiterated his strong distrust, stating, "Dealing with them is a waste of time" and "They are liars."

Regarding the MOU signed last month, he raised his voice, saying, "Everyone agreed to a ban on nuclear weapons and a deal was made, but they go out and joke to the press, saying, 'We never said that.' They have a problem; they are not in their right minds."

AFP and other outlets reported that international oil prices surged by more than 5% immediately following President Trump's hardline remarks on Iran.

President Trump also expressed his continued dissatisfaction with NATO allies that did not actively assist the U.S. during its military operations against Iran.

He told Secretary General Rutte to his face, "I am unhappy with NATO because they didn't help us with Iran, the number one state sponsor of terrorism."

He specifically singled out countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France for refusing to support the U.S.

President Trump also directly attacked Spain, a NATO member that has refused demands to increase defense spending, calling it a "terrible partner" and saying, "I want to cut them off. We don't want to trade with Spain anymore."

President Trump added, "Spain doesn't participate, and they don't pay," and stated, "We should stop all trade and visits with Spain."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.