The already fragile truce between the United States and Iran appears to be over as the two rivals engage in fresh strikes against each other, casting a shadow over the future of any efforts to ease the ongoing tension. “I think the ceasefire is over,” US President Donald Trump declared on Thursday while speaking to journalists. The American President said that whilst communications might still be maintained with Tehran, any further talks would prove futile “We’ve just had the new strikes.
I don’t think the ceasefire is in effect. I think we’re just … I think we’re just proceeding as if we didn’t have the ceasefire,” he added Trump’s comments were prompted by claims from both sides that fresh strikes were carried out in spite of earlier understandings that have been in place since they both vowed to take a pause in military operations.
Related News: NIS Rolls Out Contactless Passport Guide for Nigerians in the Diaspora
Washington and Tehran accuse each other of violating the agreed truce, raising hopes among observers of further escalation of conflict between long-standing adversaries.
While no significant policy shifts have been made yet by White House officials, President Trump’s words indicate that even his administration is growing to be sceptical about the potential for diplomatic solutions to reestablish the cease.
There has not been an official reply from Iran on Trump’s statements so far but they have consistently claimed any negotiations can only occur if there’s a halt to all American strikes and respect for Iranian sovereignty.
Related News: Gbajabiamila Gives Adeyemi 72 Hours to Retract Bribery Allegations or Face ₦10 Billion Defamation Suit
A number of global governments have expressed worries about the rising conflict, urging both countries to demonstrate restraint and resume negotiations, aiming to prevent further escalation to a wider war in the Middle East.
Such a move could further unsettle the Middle East, destabilize global energy markets, and undermine any peace talks with both regional and global partners, warns analysts.
Related News: NIMC Registers Over 136 Million Nigerians as New Identity Law Accelerates Digital Transformation
Diplomacy is still on the table however and hopes of any serious development in the diplomatic sphere appear to have dimmed drastically in the aftermath of these latest events.
