Naznin Sultana

Iran has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump over what it described as offensive and inflammatory rhetoric, after the American leader referred to Iran’s leadership as “scum” and “violent people” during a renewed escalation in hostilities between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on Wednesday with a strongly worded statement posted on the social media platform X, condemning what he called the use of “derogatory language” against the Iranian people while emphasizing that Tehran would answer hostility with determination rather than insults.

“Addressing the Civilized and Courageous Nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its Greatness,” Araghchi wrote.

“Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valor,” he added.

Although Araghchi did not directly name Trump in his statement, Iranian state media identified the remarks as a response to comments made by the US president during a NATO summit in Türkiye.

Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump declared that he considered the ceasefire between the United States and Iran to be effectively over, signaling a dramatic deterioration in relations just weeks after both countries reached a preliminary framework intended to reduce tensions.

“I don’t want to deal with them any more. They’re scum,” Trump said. “They’re led by sick people and they’re vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”

The exchange of harsh rhetoric comes amid renewed military confrontation. The United States carried out strikes on targets inside Iran for a second consecutive night, with Trump describing the attacks as “retribution” for assaults on commercial vessels attempting to transit the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Washington has accused Tehran of threatening international shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of global oil exports passes each day.

Iran, however, condemned the latest US military action, arguing that the strikes violated the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17, which had been intended to reduce the risk of confrontation and improve maritime security in the region.

Iranian officials warned that the country reserves the right to respond to what it views as breaches of the agreement and acts of aggression.

While Tehran has not formally acknowledged responsibility for attacks on three commercial tankers earlier this week, Iranian media cited officials as saying that the vessels attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without proper authorization from Iranian authorities.

The incidents have reignited longstanding disputes over navigation rights in the narrow waterway, which separates Iran from Oman and serves as a vital gateway between the Persian Gulf and international markets.

The United States and Iran have offered differing interpretations of the June 17 memorandum.

According to the agreement, Iran committed to making arrangements using its “best efforts” to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran and Oman agreed to begin negotiations over the future administration and maritime services governing the strategic waterway.

Iranian officials have consistently argued that the agreement does not limit Tehran’s sovereign authority to regulate maritime traffic within its territorial waters or impose fees and tolls on vessels using the route.

Washington, by contrast, maintains that international commercial shipping must be allowed to transit the strait without interference or additional restrictions.

The renewed confrontation raises concerns that the fragile diplomatic progress achieved through the June agreement may be collapsing. Military exchanges, increasingly hostile political rhetoric, and disputes over maritime security have all contributed to a rapidly worsening security environment in the Gulf.

Regional observers warn that any sustained disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for global energy markets, international trade, and broader Middle East stability.

Despite the intensifying tensions, diplomatic channels have not been formally closed. However, the latest exchange between Trump and Iranian officials underscores how quickly relations have deteriorated, leaving the future of the ceasefire framework and broader US-Iran engagement increasingly uncertain.