President Trump announced on Friday morning that Iran wants to continue talks with the US following two nights of US attacks earlier this week.
Trump previously said on Wednesday after the latest round of strikes that Iran wants to make a deal “so badly.” He further said the US would hit Iran “20 to one” if they retaliate.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran last month initiated a 60-day ceasefire as talks continued to reach a long-term peace deal, but Trump declared the ceasefire is “over” on Wednesday. “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum,” Trump told reporters following US strikes on Iran in response to Iran targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also told reporters on Wednesday afternoon, while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that the US would strike Iran again.
US Central Command later announced on Wednesday evening that approximately “90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and military logistics infrastructure along Iran’s coastline.” Trump said following the strikes, “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!”
Trump said that the ceasefire is still “over,” but the US has agreed to continue talks in a statement on Friday.
Full statement below:
The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue “talks.” We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Talks are reportedly continuing between Vice President JD Vance and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Qatari mediators. The Qataris are speaking separately with Iranian officials.
Per CBS:
A source familiar with the discussions tells CBS News that Vice President JD Vance, as well as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been in touch with Qatari officials this week after the dramatic escalation of attacks by the U.S. and Iran.
It wasn’t clear how much progress had been made Friday as mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and other countries work to ease the tension sparked by Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz early this week. The U.S. responded with two days of intense strikes on at least 170 targets, drawing new Iranian attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf.
Iran has also confirmed ongoing discussions with mediators, but there’s been no indication of any new direct contact between U.S. and Iranian officials.
This week’s strikes represented the most serious challenge to date for the ceasefire agreed to by the U.S. and Iran as part of the memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June.
The Gateway Pundit will continue to provide updates on the negotiations.
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