Trump Calls MOU a 'Test,' Signals Next Target in Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled intense upcoming attacks against Iran, once again shifting his stance by stating that the previous memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war was merely a test.

In a phone interview today with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, President Trump claimed that the MOU was a test and that Iran failed to uphold it.

He added, "When you are dealing with despicable people, an MOU doesn't mean much. Because it's just an MOU."

Regarding the follow-up negotiations that have been ongoing since the signing of the MOU, he criticized the Iranian side as "extremely untrustworthy," saying, "We were almost there yesterday, and then they got a phone call and everyone ran out of the room."

Although Trump previously stated on June 17, when the MOU was signed, that it was "an agreement with Iran that realizes all the goals we aimed to achieve," he has effectively nullified its validity in less than a month.

Trump also announced plans to attack Picales Mountain, located near Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, in the near future.

Furthermore, President Trump announced through his social media platform, Truth Social, a plan to resume a naval blockade against Iran and impose a 20 percent 'safety fee' on the value of all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a sarcastic reaction on social media, stating, "The U.S. President is absolutely right," as the war of words between the two sides intensifies.

Previously, the United States and Iran signed a 14-point MOU on June 17 to end the war and resume commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, agreeing to conduct follow-up negotiations for 60 days.

However, the two sides have shown disagreements over the transit methods and management authority of the Strait of Hormuz, and as they resumed attacks against each other starting July 7, the MOU to end the war has effectively become a piece of waste paper.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.