Strike on Iran looms as Trump issues ‘ultimatum’ with explicit social media threat as geopolitical tensions surge once again. In a move that sharply escalates the crisis, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 28 January, warned Tehran of a military strike “far worse” than previous operations. The threat was accompanied by the mobilisation of a powerful US naval task force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, unfolding as Iran’s national currency sinks to record lows and regional stability comes under increasing strain.
Trump’s ultimatum and “Operation Midnight Hammer”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president made clear that American military power is on high alert. “The next attack will be much worse! Don’t let this happen again,” Trump wrote, explicitly referencing “Operation Midnight Hammer” and the severe damage it previously inflicted on Iranian infrastructure.
Trump described the fleet moving into the region as a “massive armada”, larger than the one previously deployed to Venezuela, stressing that it is prepared to carry out its mission with “speed and force” if necessary. At the same time, he urged Tehran’s leadership to return immediately to negotiations on a new agreement that would permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Economic collapse and internal pressure in Iran
The military escalation coincides with an unprecedented economic crisis inside Iran, further intensifying domestic pressure on the regime.
In response to Trump’s threats, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations warned that if pressure continues, “Iran will defend itself and deliver an unprecedented response”. Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces stated that US naval vessels would suffer “serious damage” in the event of a confrontation.
Diplomatic tension and international mediation efforts
On the diplomatic front, the situation remains highly volatile:
- Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied any recent contacts with the United States or requests for talks.
- Turkey’s Foreign Minister revealed that Ankara has advised Washington to address disputes with Tehran “one by one”, rather than as a single comprehensive package.
- Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has re-emerged in the political debate, claiming in a message to the families of victims of the so-called “National Revolution” that the overthrow of Iran’s Islamic regime is now achievable.
The international community is watching developments with mounting concern, as the window for a diplomatic resolution appears to be narrowing, with Trump declaring that “time is running out”.
