President Donald Trump stated on July 8, 2026, that he may not be interested in pursuing a deal with Iran, following a recent escalation of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. During a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, Trump remarked, "I'm not sure I want to make a deal with them," referring to Tehran. This statement came after he declared the U.S. ceasefire with Iran as "over" due to renewed violence in the region.
Trump's comments followed Iran's attack on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by U.S. Central Command and the Joint Maritime Information Center. In response to these attacks, the U.S. revoked its waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil sales, which had been part of a temporary ceasefire agreement established the previous month. The U.S. also conducted retaliatory strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil trade, and tensions have escalated as Iran has threatened to block the waterway and charge tolls for passage. Trump's administration had previously agreed to lift a blockade in exchange for Iran's commitment to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels. However, Iranian officials have accused the U.S. of violating the terms of the agreement.
Trump concluded his remarks by stating that he no longer wishes to engage with Iran, calling negotiations a "waste of time," and indicated that further military action might be forthcoming.