As the Middle East teeters on the brink of a broader conflict, former President Donald Trump is drawing intense backlash over a string of aggressive and inflammatory posts on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Since June 13, tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically. Israel initiated airstrikes on targets in Tehran, reportedly without direct assistance from the United States. In response, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory missile attacks, with several reportedly bypassing Israel’s Iron Dome defenses and striking the heart of Tel Aviv.

Against this volatile backdrop, Trump has used Truth Social to issue a series of messages that many critics say are reckless, undiplomatic, and downright dangerous.

Boasting Air Superiority

In one of his most widely criticized posts, published Tuesday evening (June 17), Trump claimed that the United States now holds “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

“Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it,” he wrote, “but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”

While the U.S. military has not confirmed Trump’s assertion, his choice of words sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and drew condemnation from across the political spectrum.

“What message are we sending to the world when a former president speaks as if we’re already at war?” asked Maya Underwood, a former U.S. diplomat. “These are not the words of a seasoned statesman. They’re the words of someone treating global conflict like a campaign rally.”

Targeting Iran’s Leadership

If the first post sparked concern, the second ignited fury. In a follow-up message, Trump made a veiled threat against Iran’s Supreme Leader.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump wrote. “He is an easy target, but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Many viewed the post as a thinly veiled threat of assassination — an escalation that could carry serious international consequences. It also raised questions about Trump’s access to intelligence information and whether he is leveraging it for political gain.

Legal experts and national security analysts were quick to raise red flags.

“This crosses a dangerous line,” said Dr. Arman Safiri, a Middle East policy analyst. “Threatening the head of state in this manner, even in an unofficial capacity, has real-world consequences. It risks inflaming tensions and undermining diplomatic efforts already underway.”

“Unconditional Surrender”

In a third and final post that evening, Trump wrote just two words: “Unconditional surrender.”

Critics say the phrase echoed language from wartime history — particularly World War II — and framed the situation as if the U.S. were demanding Iran’s total submission. The post added to the growing perception that Trump is attempting to use a wartime tone to rally his base and appear strong amid his reelection campaign.

On social media, reactions were swift and polarized.

Outrage Online

Across platforms like Threads, X, and Reddit, users condemned Trump’s rhetoric. Many expressed alarm at what they saw as deliberate provocation.

“Why don’t you bring our troops home and fix America like you said you would?” one user commented. “So disappointed I ever voted for you.”

Another posted bluntly: “Stop the war-mongering BS. You’re not president anymore — and thank God for that.”

A more pointed critique read: “Our so-called President is out of his mind. This is not leadership — it’s insanity.”

Others shared memes and videos contrasting Trump’s current rhetoric with his 2016 campaign promises to end “forever wars” and focus on rebuilding at home. “We voted for peace,” one user wrote. “We got a warmonger in a suit.”

Global Response and Escalation Fears

Trump’s statements aren’t just drawing fire at home. Several international leaders have privately expressed concern that his rhetoric could further destabilize an already fragile situation.

“Even as a former president, Trump’s words carry weight,” said a European Union official speaking anonymously. “His threats could embolden hardliners in Tehran or provoke a miscalculation that pushes both nations closer to open conflict.”

Meanwhile, officials in Washington have been working through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the crisis. President Biden has not commented directly on Trump’s posts, but White House aides have emphasized that all communication with Iran is being handled with “the utmost seriousness and responsibility.”

A Reckless Strategy?

To Trump’s critics, his posts are not merely outrageous — they’re a liability. His mixture of bravado, vague threats, and militaristic language comes at a time when even a small misstep could ignite a larger war.

“Words matter,” said former CIA officer Paul Retford. “And in this case, a few reckless words could cost lives.”

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Conclusion

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Trump’s latest Truth Social posts reveal a troubling strategy: using conflict as a stage for political theater. While his supporters may see strength, others see recklessness — and the world watches with growing unease as a former commander-in-chief plays a dangerous game with global stakes.