US President Donald Trump published a blog post on the “Truth Social” platform that included a photo captioned “Calm before the storm,” in which Iranian ships appeared at sea, in a message described as escalatory toward Iran.
In statements to BFM TV, Trump said that he does not know whether Iran will reach an agreement, adding that it must reach an understanding “so that it does not face a very difficult time,” in reference to continued American pressure.
According to an Israeli official who spoke to Channel 13, preparations inside Israel to resume military operations against Iran have reached advanced levels, with an unprecedented increase in the American presence inside the country.
The official explained that the goal of any potential operation is to weaken Iran and force it to return to the negotiating table, with plans to target strategic facilities including energy, gas, and electricity infrastructure in the event of a new confrontation.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz file, Iranian official television reported that talks were taking place between Tehran and European countries to ensure the passage of commercial ships, after contacts with the Navy of the Revolutionary Guard, at a time when the names of the participating countries were not revealed.
On the other hand, the US Central Command announced that it had diverted 78 commercial ships as part of the naval blockade imposed on Iran, in addition to disabling four ships for not complying with instructions, while continuing to monitor the sea lanes via military helicopters near the strait.
These developments come in the context of an ongoing war since February 28, 2026, which broke out after US-Israeli attacks on Iran, to which Tehran responded with measures that led to a partial disruption of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, causing disruption in supply chains and a rise in oil prices to about $109 per barrel.
Trump stressed that his country does not want Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, and insists on keeping the Strait open, hinting at taking additional measures in the event that the negotiating path fails, including the continuation of sanctions and military options.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that Tehran had received American signals to resume dialogue, stressing at the same time that his country does not intend to develop a nuclear weapon and refuses to give up its nuclear program or its stock of enriched uranium.
The post Trump ignites confrontation: the calm before the storm towards Iran appeared first on Voice of Beirut International.
