Washington DC/Middle East, May 17, 2026 – In a veiled but ominous warning that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, US President Donald Trump issued a cryptic "calm before the storm" message on Friday, triggering fresh speculation about potential US military action against Iran amid ongoing tensions and reports of top aides preparing contingency plans to resume air strikes if diplomatic negotiations collapse.

The President shared an AI-generated image on Truth Social featuring himself aboard a military vessel amid stormy seas, wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat beside a US Navy admiral, with warships and Iranian-flagged vessels visible in the background. The accompanying message, "It was the calm before the storm," was shared at a time when the fragile April 8 ceasefire remains in place in the Middle East, but tensions over the critical marine chokepoint Strait of Hormuz show no signs of abating. According to the New York Times, Trump is about to make a critical decision on Iran, with his top aides already making plans to resume air strikes if he chooses to break the diplomatic deadlock through military force.

The post quickly drew international attention as reports emerged that Washington may be reviewing military options if diplomatic efforts with Tehran collapse. According to multiple reports, senior US officials are discussing contingency plans that could include renewed military strikes on Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a breakthrough. Reports also suggested preparations for potential military operations are being reviewed, although no final decision has been announced by the White House. President Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on Tehran in recent days, escalating rhetoric about possible military escalation.

In an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV, Trump warned Iran would face "a very bad time" if a deal was not reached soon, adding: "They have an interest in reaching an agreement." The US President's statement came amid growing international concern about potential military escalation in the region. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently said Tehran had received messages from Washington indicating willingness for negotiations, but warned that "distrust" over US intentions remained a major obstacle to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

The image was shared by Trump at a time the fragile April 8 ceasefire remains in place in the Middle East, but tensions over the critical marine chokepoint Strait of Hormuz show no signs of abating, causing Trump to engage in a flurry of meetings with world leaders. Though a ceasefire was reached last month, a permanent peace agreement remains a far-away goal, as the US and Iran continued attacks on each other during this period. The President has repeatedly warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it attacks US ships, putting the United States in a position where military action could become inevitable.

Concluding his recent China visit, Trump said aboard Air Force One that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasising Iran has been hit with $500 million of loss per day in the past two and a half weeks due to the US' naval blockade in the region. Thestatement underscores the significant economic pressure the Trump administration has applied to Iran through naval dominance and control of critical shipping lanes. The US naval presence in the Gulf has been intensified, with multiple carrier groups deployed to the region, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

President Trump was advised that a large-scale strike against Iran was unlikely to make the government fall and could spark a wider conflict. US officials remain divided on whether military action is the right approach, with some arguing that diplomatic pressure combined with economic sanctions has not been fully exhausted. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing fresh military options against Iran, including intensified strikes on Iranian military sites, special operations missions targeting underground nuclear facilities, and even the seizure of Kharg Island—a vital Iranian oil export hub. Meanwhile, Iran has warned it is ready to deliver "a well-deserved response to any aggression," as diplomatic negotiations remain deadlocked.

Trump's "calm before the storm" warning has sparked fears of major Iran strikes, with global markets reacting nervously to the prospect of renewed conflict in the Middle East. The President's cryptic post has intensified speculation over possible US military action against Iran as tensions persist in the region, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional war that could draw in multiple nations and disrupt global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.