Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have taken centre stage again, as recent statements from Donald Trump show sharp and sometimes confusing changes in tone. Within just two days, his comments shifted from optimism about a deal to serious warnings of possible military action, leaving many uncertain about the real state of negotiations.
Rapid Changes in Trump’s Statements
Over a period of less than 48 hours, President Trump made multiple statements that appeared to contradict each other. In one moment, he suggested that Iran had already agreed to key terms, and in another, he warned of major consequences if a deal was not signed.
These remarks came as a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was nearing its end, adding urgency to the situation.
Friday, April 17: Claim That Iran “Agreed to Everything”
On Friday afternoon, Trump told CBS News that Iran had “agreed to everything,” including working with the US to remove its enriched uranium. He even said the US would take control of that uranium.
He also claimed that Iran had agreed to stop supporting proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which the US considers terrorist organisations.
These comments had an immediate impact on global markets. Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open, which led to a drop in oil prices and a rise in stock markets.
However, just hours later, Iran’s foreign ministry strongly denied these claims. A spokesperson said enriched uranium is “as sacred as Iranian soil” and made it clear that transferring it to the US was never an option.
Friday Evening: Fewer Differences, According to Trump
Later that same day, while speaking to reporters in Phoenix, Trump softened his tone slightly. He said he did not believe there were “too many significant differences” between the US and Iran.
At the same time, he admitted that differences could still exist and would need to be resolved.
Saturday: Limited Comments from the President
On Saturday, Trump said very little about the situation. During an Oval Office event, when asked about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, he dismissed reporters and ended the interaction quickly.
Later in the day, he spent time at his golf club in Northern Virginia, without making major public statements on the issue.
Sunday Morning: Strong Warnings Begin
By early Sunday morning, Trump’s tone changed sharply. In an interview with Fox News, he warned that if Iran did not sign the deal, “the whole country is getting blown up.”
He described upcoming talks in Pakistan as Iran’s “last chance.” This echoed an earlier warning from April 7, when he had said “a whole civilization will die tonight” if a deal was not reached.
Sunday 8:10 a.m.: Threats of Infrastructure Attacks
Soon after, Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire by firing at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed some of the shots were aimed at a French ship and a UK freighter.
He then escalated his warning, saying that if Iran refused the deal, the US would target major infrastructure.
He wrote that the US would “knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge” in Iran if the deal was rejected, calling it a necessary step to end what he described as Iran’s “killing machine.”
He also stated that US representatives were planning to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations.
Confusion Over Diplomatic Plans
Trump told the New York Post that a US delegation, including Vice President JD Vance, would arrive in Islamabad on Monday night.
However, a White House official later clarified that the delegation had not yet left and would travel “soon,” without giving a confirmed date.
At the same time, Iran announced that it currently has no plans to return to peace talks, adding further uncertainty.
Monday, April 20: More Warnings as Ceasefire Nears End
On Monday morning, Trump continued his strong messaging. In a call with PBS News, he said that if the ceasefire ends, “lots of bombs start going off.”
He also told Bloomberg that it is “highly unlikely” the ceasefire would be extended if no agreement is reached.
There was also confusion about the exact deadline. While the ceasefire was expected to end Tuesday night, Trump said it would expire Wednesday night Washington time.
