U.S. President Donald Trump is facing criticism for contradictory behavior after repeatedly declaring that a ceasefire agreement with Iran is imminent while simultaneously posting a map on social media depicting Iranian territory painted over with the U.S. flag.
Trump Posts U.S. Flag Over Iranian Territory Just After Declaring Deal Is Near
On Tuesday (local time), Trump posted on his Truth Social account a map of the Middle East showing the American flag drawn exclusively over Iranian territory, accompanied by the caption "America in the Middle East?"
The timing of the post coincided with Trump's repeated declarations that a deal with Iran was within reach. In an interview with CBS the same day, he said an agreement with Iran was "getting pretty close," and later wrote on Truth Social that "an agreement between the United States, Iran, and various other countries has largely been negotiated, with only final confirmation remaining."
Trump has previously posted composite images on social media hinting at the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran while negotiations were underway. On the 29th of last month, he wrote, "Iran is not coming to its senses. They had better figure out the situation quickly," along with a photo of himself titled "No More Mr. Nice Guy." In the image, Trump was depicted wearing sunglasses and carrying a firearm against a backdrop of bombing.
"Undermines Diplomacy and Fuels Iranian Unity"...Experts Voice Criticism
Al Jazeera noted that the image posted by Trump "contradicts the Trump administration's position that it does not seek a long-term occupation of Iran," describing it as another inflammatory message during the negotiation phase. The broadcaster added that even though Trump is known for sending contradictory messages about war, this image could have repercussions on the negotiations themselves.
Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, criticized the post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "First he said he would obliterate Iranian civilization, and now he is declaring that he will make Iran a possession of the United States."
Nasr pointed out that "this bizarre behavior undermines diplomacy and causes the Iranian people to unite," adding, "In a delicate diplomatic situation, President Trump raises questions about what America's true intentions really are."
