Trump issues thinly-veiled ‘calm before the storm’ threat with new bizarre image | World | News

Donald Trump appeared to issue a thinly-veiled threat to Iran in a post published late on Saturday on Truth Social. The US President shared on Saturday, May 17, an AI-generated image showing himself at the top of a military vessel navigating rough waters.

The image also included military vessels bearing the Iranian flag in the background, and the wording: “It was the calm before the storm”. The image also showed lightning striking down from dark clouds. Mr Trump didn’t add any caption or more references to Iran in his social media post.

However, the image may be interpreted as a threat against Iran, as it comes only days after it was claimed the US and Israel are carrying out their most intense preparations yet to resume strikes against the Middle Eastern regime should a deal to officially end the war not be agreed soon.

Two sources told The New York Times that Washington and Tel Aviv are seeking to be ready as early as next week.

The US news outlet reported that the options may include a new bombing campaign against military and infrastructure sites, seizing Kharg Island – often referred to as Iran’s crown jewel due to its importance in oil exports – and sending commandos on the ground to extract nuclear material buried under rubble.

But he also appeared to suggest a slight change in his position on the Iranian nuclear programme.

While in the past he had demanded a total end of the nuclear programme by Iran, which the regime maintains only has civilian purposes, Mr Trump suggested he could accept a 20-year suspension – but it had to be a “real 20 years”.

Weeks after the ceasefire, no real breakthrough has been seen in the negotiations between Tehran and Washington.