Donald Trump has intensified military actions against Iran, launching airstrikes that hit 170 targets over the past 48 hours. This escalation follows his remarks at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7, 2026, where he declared the US-Iran memorandum of understanding as "over" and labeled Iranian leaders as "evil, sick people." The renewed conflict comes after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US-Iran Relations Reach a Breaking Point
On July 7, Trump threatened further military actions, stating, "If it happens again, it will get much worse!" This rhetoric reflects a long-standing pattern of distrust between the US and Iran, rooted in decades of failed diplomatic efforts. The collapse of the memorandum, which aimed to de-escalate tensions, has been characterized by mutual accusations of non-compliance.
The memorandum was intended to create a framework for peace, proposing that shipping through Hormuz would resume under Iranian arrangements while the US would lift its blockade on Iran. However, both sides have failed to honor key commitments, leading to increased hostilities.
Decades of Distrust and Failed Diplomacy
The history of US-Iran relations is marked by sanctions and military threats, which have eroded trust. Iranian policymakers are skeptical about the durability of any sanctions relief offered by Washington. The US's revocation of Iran's oil export waiver on July 7, 2026, further exacerbated tensions as Iran sought control over shipping routes.
