US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the ceasefire with Iran is over, while confirming that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are continuing.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "Iran asked us to continue the talks, and we agreed. But the United States made it absolutely clear to them that the ceasefire is over."
The comments came after heavy exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran on Wednesday and Thursday, following Trump's earlier declaration that the ceasefire had ended. The renewed hostilities raised doubts about the durability of the memorandum of understanding that had been expected to pave the way for a comprehensive end to the conflict.
Earlier on Friday, however, a US official said negotiations aimed at securing a permanent peace agreement remain underway despite the recent military escalation.
According to Bloomberg, citing an unnamed official, the United States remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution with Iran.
The official described the ongoing discussions as technical negotiations designed to reach a permanent peace agreement by around mid-August.
The talks are focused on several complex issues, particularly Iran's nuclear program. Washington is seeking a temporary freeze on Iran's uranium enrichment activities and the relinquishment of its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which it says could be used to produce nuclear weapons.
Previous reports indicated that Pakistan, Qatar, and other regional mediators have been working to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran and revive diplomatic negotiations between the two sides.
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