While speaking at the NATO summit, Trump remarked, “To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum… They’re led by sick people.”
He continued, “I’ll talk to our negotiators. They want to negotiate—they’re good people… but they need to come back to me. As far as I’m concerned, dealing with them is just a waste of time.”
Trump was alluding to the accord that had previously curtailed hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
He reiterated that the U.S. would not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Diplomacy stalls
His comments signify a notable shift from his stance earlier this week, when he expressed a willingness to reach a deal with Tehran, despite cautioning that military action remained a possibility should diplomacy fail.
During a statement at the White House on Monday, Trump asserted that the United States would “either make a deal, or finish the job,” while emphasizing that Iran would never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program have since come to a standstill, with both parties remaining at an impasse over uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and international inspections.
In a new twist, Israel’s Ynet reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has scrapped his intended visit to Israel.
Furthermore, sources from the Iranian Embassy conveyed to CNBC-TV18 that Tehran learned of Trump’s comments through the media and interpreted them as an indication that “the negotiations have ended from their side.” An official announcement from Tehran is anticipated soon.
Trump cites overnight strikes
Trump also defended recent U.S. military actions against Iran, stating, “We attacked, very powerfully last night, the very dangerous people from Iran.”
He added, “There’s something wrong with them. We say, ‘Go and do your funeral stuff,’ yet instead, they start launching rockets at ships yesterday. So we hit them very hard last night.”
These remarks emerge amidst ongoing tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
A 60-day ceasefire and subsequent agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed to facilitate renewed negotiations, but recent indirect discussions concluded without any breakthroughs.
The Trump administration has asserted a preference for diplomatic solutions yet has consistently warned of its readiness to employ military force if Iran approaches the acquisition of a nuclear weapon.
(Edited by : Sheersh kapoor)
First Published: Jul 8, 2026 2:43 PM IST
