U.S. President Donald Trump sharply escalated tensions with Iran on Wednesday, warning in an early morning Truth Social post that Tehran “better get smart soon” as stalled nuclear negotiations and growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz continue to rattle global markets.
“Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” Trump wrote shortly after 4 a.m. ET.
The message was paired with an AI-generated image showing Trump holding a firearm amid fiery explosions, alongside the phrase “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”
Trump’s warning comes at a critical moment as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, disrupting one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, while diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear increasingly fragile.
Planned U.S. negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, were abruptly canceled by Trump last weekend, signaling further strain in already difficult discussions.
“We have all the cards,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News, adding that Iran would need to approach the United States directly if it wanted to restart talks. Earlier diplomatic efforts led by Vice President JD Vance had also failed to secure an agreement.
Iran has reportedly offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. ends its blockade of Iranian ports and ongoing conflict comes to a close, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The proposal would delay discussions over Iran’s nuclear program until later, according to multiple reports.
However, Trump was reportedly dissatisfied with Tehran’s terms, and the White House is expected to present a counterproposal.
Financial markets reacted swiftly to Trump’s latest remarks. West Texas Intermediate crude jumped 2.82% to $102.75 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 3% to $114.62.
Oil prices were already under pressure after the United Arab Emirates announced plans to exit OPEC on May 1, adding fresh uncertainty to global energy supplies.
