'Not Doing Service To people': Trump Calls Iran's Leaders 'More Rational' But Slams Their Actions

Last Updated:July 08, 2026, 23:00 IST

His remarks came after renewed fighting broke out following US strikes on several sites in Iran overnight.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Iran’s leaders were “more rational" than before but criticised their recent actions, saying they were “not doing service to the people", as fighting between Washington and Tehran flared again.

Speaking to reporters at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara, Trump was asked why his view of Iran’s leadership had changed after previously calling them “very rational", “strong" and “smart", but more recently describing them as “scum" and “sick people".

“I think they are more rational, but based on their actions over the last week or two, they’re not doing service to the people," Trump said.

His remarks came after renewed fighting broke out following US strikes on several sites in Iran overnight. Washington said the operation was carried out in response to fresh attacks on commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides said they struck dozens of targets in the latest escalation, adding further strain to an interim agreement aimed at ending the end.

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