United States President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (Jul 8) that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was “over”, adding he did not want to engage with Tehran and calling the Iranian leadership “sick people”.
The interim ceasefire agreement signed between Washington and Tehran – under the mediation of Pakistan – was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations on a permanent agreement, but indirect talks in Qatar ended last week with no sign of headway.”I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them any more; they’re scum,” Trump said at a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in the Turkish capital Ankara when asked if the truce with Iran was now finished.
“They’re scum, they’re sick people, they’re led by sick people, and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”
Trump said he would speak to businessman-turned-negotiator Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have been dealing with the Iranians, but insisted it was up to Tehran to return to the table.
“Frankly, I don’t want to waste my time with them. Now, I’ll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don’t see it,” Trump said alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte.”As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them. They’re liars.”
Trump accused the Iranians of repeatedly misrepresenting what had been agreed in the ceasefire that Washington and Tehran signed on Jun 17.
“Everyone’s agreed, no nuclear weapon. We make a deal. They go outside, joke to the press, they say we never even talked about it. There’s something wrong with them; they’re cuckoo,” Trump added.
Agencies
