WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran on Monday of violating a framework agreement aimed at ending recent hostilities, prompting fresh concerns about the fragility of a tenuous ceasefire and the risk of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said Iran launched drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the action as a “foolish violation” of the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides earlier this month. U.S. forces responded by shooting down several drones and carrying out strikes on Iranian targets, according to U.S. officials.
The framework agreement, formally a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian with Pakistan acting as mediator, called for an immediate end to military operations, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping, and a 60-day period for negotiations on longer-term issues including Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran rejected the accusation. Iranian officials said Tehran remained committed to the ceasefire but warned that U.S. actions could derail ongoing talks, with one statement threatening a “complete halt” to negotiations.
The exchange marks the latest flare-up in a conflict that escalated earlier in 2026, involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian efforts to restrict shipping through the strategic waterway, which carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Trump administration officials said the U.S. response was limited and aimed at deterring further violations. “We will complete the job if necessary,” Trump said in remarks on Saturday, according to reports.
No immediate casualties were reported from the latest incidents, though shipping traffic in the strait has been disrupted.
The framework deal had been hailed as a breakthrough after months of fighting, with both sides agreeing to halt direct hostilities and work toward a more comprehensive agreement addressing sanctions relief and nuclear concerns. However, differences persist over the extent of international inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites and the fate of its enriched uranium stockpiles.
White House officials said talks would continue despite the tensions, while Iranian state media emphasized Tehran’s right to defend its interests.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomats from both sides and regional mediators monitoring developments closely. No new timetable for resumed high-level negotiations has been announced.
