Trump’s Changing Stance on Iran Sparks Confusion and Division
In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered mixed signals on how the United States might respond to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Speaking to reporters outside the White House on June 18, Trump said, “I may do it. I may not,” when asked if the U.S. would join the conflict — leaving uncertainty among allies and his political base.
Previously, the Trump administration denied involvement after Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. But as the conflict escalated, Trump suggested the U.S. might assist Israel, particularly by providing weapons such as “bunker buster” bombs to target Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
Conflicting Claims About Iran’s Nuclear Program
Trump’s statements also clashed with his own intelligence reports. While Trump claimed Iran was “very close” to developing nuclear weapons, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Congress in March that Iran was not pursuing a nuclear bomb and had no active weapons program.
These remarks contradict Trump’s earlier optimism. In May, he said the U.S. and Iran were nearing a nuclear deal. But just days later, he shifted tone, accusing Iran of backing Houthi rebels in Yemen and warning of further U.S. action.
A Divided MAGA Base and Rising Tensions
Trump’s unpredictable approach has stirred discomfort among his MAGA supporters, many of whom oppose foreign military entanglements. The situation has tested Trump’s “America First” messaging, particularly as his rhetoric swings between diplomacy and confrontation.
Iran has warned of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervenes militarily. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump’s demand for surrender, stating Iran would not accept forced peace or war.
Timeline of Trump’s Key Iran Policy Shifts
February 4
Trump reinstated “maximum pressure” policies on Iran but expressed hesitation about using force, calling the decision “unhappy.”
May 15
Trump claimed negotiations with Iran were moving forward and a peaceful nuclear deal was close.
May 17
Trump accused Iran of directing Houthi rebel attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping.
May 28
He reportedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to delay military action against Iran.
June 13
The U.S. said it was not involved in Israel’s attacks on Iran, stressing its priority was protecting American troops.
June 17
Trump posted on Truth Social demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” from Iran and called Khamenei an “easy target,” though clarified there were no plans to attack him.
Iran’s Response and Nuclear Claims
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. Khamenei cited a religious ruling prohibiting nuclear weapons and insisted enrichment is for civilian energy purposes. Despite advancing uranium enrichment to 60% purity, far below the 90% needed for weapons, both U.S. intelligence and the IAEA reported no evidence of a weapons program.
Background: Trump’s First-Term Policies on Iran
Withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal (2018)
Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which had restricted Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for sanction relief.
Tensions Rise (2019–2020)
In December 2019, a U.S. contractor was killed in Iraq. The U.S. blamed Iranian-backed militias and launched retaliatory strikes.
Soleimani’s Assassination (2020)
On January 3, 2020, Trump ordered the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, citing plans to attack U.S. interests.
Iran vowed revenge, and tensions soared. In March 2020, U.S. coalition soldiers were killed in a rocket attack. New sanctions followed.
Iran Issues Arrest Warrant (2020)
In June 2020, Iran issued an arrest warrant for Trump and others over Soleimani’s death.
Trump’s recent back-and-forth on Iran — from threats of military action to talk of renewed negotiations — has left analysts and the public unsure of what direction the U.S. may take next. While Israel pushes for U.S. support, Trump’s next move remains unclear.
