As Gulf nations face strikes, is Trump's Iran accord near collapse?

Overnight fighting in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz has upset US President Donald Trump, who is attending a NATO Summit in Ankara.

US Central Command conducted major strikes overnight to impose heavy costs for attacks on commercial shipping with civilian crews in an international waterway. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed the action as absolutely necessary.

CENTCOM reported hitting 80 targets and finishing operations by Wednesday. The strikes responded to Iranian assaults on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which were seen as unwarranted aggression and a breach of the ceasefire.

US-Iran truce status now in doubt

It is now unclear whether the US will return to the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. Tehran claims dozens of its own attacks in the Gulf. The truce appears shaky, and Trump has signaled the MOU may be finished, though it was meant to last into next month.

On Tuesday the US reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil sales after tanker attacks in the Strait. Iran struck several vessels from July 6-7, including a Qatari LNG tanker, prompting outrage from Qatar. The Treasury had allowed oil sales until August 21 under the fragile deal.

Kuwait's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to security. Qatar's Prime Minister discussed the situation with Iran's Foreign Minister, stressing support for mediation and the need to avoid further escalation.

Trump comments suggest MoU collapse may be imminent

Reports from the UAE indicate Trump's latest remarks show the agreement is close to falling apart. The president now views Iran as negotiating in bad faith and worries the talks have been a waste of time.

UAE advisor Anwar Gargash stated that continued attacks prove Tehran cannot commit to ending the conflict. He noted strikes on Qatari and Saudi tankers plus aggression against Bahrain and Kuwait show Iran is unwilling to pursue de-escalation.

Gulf states are realizing Iran will not drop its aim to control the Strait of Hormuz and influence regional policy. They seek a lasting solution free of weekly ship attacks and endless cycles of fighting and talks.