Trump Posts ‘Calm Before the Storm’ Graphic, Warns Iran of ‘Very Bad Time’ as US Eyes Operation Sledgehammer
US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself and a US Navy admiral standing before stormy waters and several ships, one flying the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The text on the image read: “It was calm before the storm.” The post came amid reports that the US military is considering fresh strikes on Iran under a new operational name.
In a telephone interview with French broadcaster BFMTV, Trump warned Iran it would face a “very bad time” if a peace agreement is not reached soon. “They have an interest in reaching an agreement,” he said.
NBC News, citing two American officials, reported that the US military is weighing a name change for the conflict to “Operation Sledgehammer.” The Trump administration had previously announced the end of Operation Epic Fury after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement in early April to continue diplomatic talks.
Talks stall as both sides reject each other’s proposals
The ceasefire has not translated into a lasting deal, with Washington and Tehran turning down each other’s terms.
On May 10, Trump rejected Iran’s counter-proposal, calling it “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” and “garbage.” Tehran had responded to a 14-point proposal sent by Washington in the first week of May. Under that proposal, Iran would have to commit to not developing a nuclear weapon, halt all uranium enrichment for at least 12 years, and surrender its estimated 440 kg (970 lb) stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent. In return, the US offered to gradually lift sanctions, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and end its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Earlier, in the last week of April, Iran had submitted a three-stage proposal through Pakistan, which Washington also rejected. The first stage called for a complete end to the war, specifically the cessation of hostilities involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. The second stage sought the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The third stage covering Iran’s nuclear programme was to begin only after the ceasefire was established and the Strait reopened. The US rejected the plan.