US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh speculation over a possible return to military confrontation with Iran after posting war-themed messages and visuals on Truth Social.
Details
Trump shared an image showing himself standing aboard a warship in stormy seas alongside naval vessels carrying Iranian flags under the phrase The Calm Before the Storm. He also posted a video showing a US warship targeting an aircraft marked with the Iranian flag while a voice says: We have the target in sight… fire.
The posts came alongside reports that the Pentagon is preparing new military options against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts collapse.
According to US reports, the White House is discussing several escalation scenarios, including:
- Expanding strikes against Iranian military facilities and infrastructure.
- Deploying special forces to secure nuclear materials stored in underground sites.
- Seizing Kharg Island, one of Iran’s most important oil export hubs.
The moves also come amid continuing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, raising concerns over the impact of any renewed escalation on energy markets and global trade.
Trump had earlier escalated his rhetoric before his recent trip to China, saying Iran would either make a deal or face total destruction.
Tehran, meanwhile, signalled readiness for any potential confrontation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iranian forces are prepared to respond to any aggression, adding that all options remain on the table.
US intelligence assessments also suggested Iran has restored much of its missile infrastructure, including underground launch facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Next?
Attention is now focused on whether Washington will give diplomacy one final chance or move toward direct military escalation, especially as political and economic pressure grows inside the United States.
