U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging the country to 'get smart' and sign a non-nuclear deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself wielding an assault rifle, surrounded by explosions, with the caption: 'No more Mr. Nice Guy!' He accompanied the post with a direct message to Iran: 'Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a non-nuclear deal. They better get smart soon!'
The warning comes as oil prices have surged, with Brent Crude reaching $115 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbing above $103. The price hikes coincide with stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and a U.S.-led blockade aimed at crippling Iran’s economy. Reports indicate that the blockade is preventing Iran from selling its surplus oil, exacerbating economic strain.
Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, under conditions that would allow it to charge tolls—a move the U.S. and its allies reject as a violation of international maritime law. The U.S. has dismissed Iran’s proposal, with officials insisting any deal must prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s defense ministry has accused the U.S. of maintaining an 'illegal blockade.'
The U.S. has reportedly prepared for an extended blockade, aiming to weaken Iran’s financial leverage in negotiations. Some U.S. officials believe the economic pressure will force Iran to compromise. However, the blockade has also raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions and economic fallout for U.S. allies in the Gulf.
Separately, a recent U.S. strike on an Iranian school, which killed 168 people including 110 children, remains under investigation. The Pentagon has not confirmed responsibility, though reports suggest U.S. forces may have been involved unintentionally.