Trump rules out Iran engagement, moves to cut trade with Spain

US President Donald Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the recent conflict was "over," saying he no longer wished to engage with Tehran and describing the Iranian leadership as "sick people."

Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump also said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever trade ties with Spain, branding Madrid a "terrible partner" within the alliance, Reuters reports.

The twin announcements overshadowed a summit that European leaders had hoped would project unity, reinforce support for Ukraine, and ease tensions that have strained NATO in recent months.

Trump's remarks came after the United States launched fresh military strikes on Iran and revoked a license that had allowed Tehran to sell oil, in response to attacks on three tankers. The developments dealt a further blow to a fragile ceasefire arrangement that had been widely viewed in Europe as a pathway toward de-escalation.

Asked whether the interim accord with Iran—which envisioned negotiating a long-term peace agreement by mid-August—was effectively dead, Trump replied:

"It's a very interesting question. To me, I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them. They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people."

He added:

"As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with them."

Trump also escalated his criticism of Spain amid an ongoing dispute over defence spending. Washington and Madrid have clashed after Spain rejected the US president's calls for European allies to significantly increase military expenditures.

"Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore," Trump said.

"By the way, I'd like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don't participate, they don't pay. I don't want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits."

In response, the office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said it viewed Trump's comments as "business as usual," adding that bilateral relations between the United States and Spain continue to benefit both countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva