Calm before the storm: Trump shares cryptic post amid reports of potential fresh strikes

PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump on Sunday posted a cryptic message on his social media platform Truth Social asserting “It Was The Calm Before The Storm," alongside an AI-generated image that appeared to signal rising tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The image, shared on Donald Trump’s social media account, showed him wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap while standing aboard a US Navy vessel with a naval officer. The background featured rough seas, lightning, and Iranian ships. The post came at a time when reports suggested that the Trump administration was considering renewed military action against Iran after a temporary pause in tensions.

According to a report by The New York Times, Trump returned from Beijing facing important decisions regarding Iran, with senior officials reportedly preparing plans for possible fresh military strikes if diplomatic talks fail.

The report said US officials and allied nations were trying to reach a compromise that could persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, while also allowing Trump to present the development as a diplomatic success. It added that the Pentagon had already prepared backup plans for restarting “Operation Epic Fury,” which had been paused after Trump announced a ceasefire last month.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly said that the United States had “a plan to escalate if necessary,” even as discussions were also taking place about the possibility of withdrawing troops from the Middle East.

The report further stated that the Trump administration was considering several options against Iran, including wider bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military bases and infrastructure. Another option reportedly being discussed involves sending Special Operations forces to target deeply buried nuclear material at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility.