Trump enters 'revenge mode' as Iran threatens US soldiers and a London coalition meeting on Hormuz looms

Presidential frustration boils over

Tensions between the United States and Iran show no sign of easing as the conflict enters its fifth month. According to the Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump has entered what aides describe as a 'revenge mode', using a recent Oval Office meeting to unleash a tirade against Iranian leaders, reportedly calling them 'scum' and 'crazy'. The president is increasingly sceptical that negotiations can produce a lasting peace and is convinced that the only language Tehran understands is military force.

“I haven't decided whether to launch a major attack. We can continue doing what we are doing, destroying piece by piece. Or we can make a deal: we are talking, but they are not ready yet.”

Trump's original plan envisaged a conflict lasting only a few weeks. Instead, he faces a grinding stalemate that is damaging his presidency and alarming Republican strategists ahead of the midterm elections. Advisers are concerned about rising petrol prices, a falling approval rating and the deaths of 18 American soldiers (the Pentagon website later reduced this figure to 14, though it was unclear whether four casualties killed during a ceasefire were being excluded or whether the site was experiencing technical problems).

Iran's direct threats and the nuclear question

Tehran has responded with open threats. Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya emergency headquarters, warned the United States that for every Iranian citizen killed, an American soldier would be 'sent to hell'. The regime has also stated its readiness to strike Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, US intelligence services cited by the New York Times suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei is more interested than his father, Ali Khamenei, in acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“For the death of every Iranian citizen, an American soldier will be sent to hell. We have prepared direct tickets to hell for you.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Trump's proposal to compensate ship damage using frozen Iranian assets, calling it a misappropriation that sets an 'explosive precedent'.

Diplomatic backchannels and a proposed London coalition

Despite the fiery rhetoric, diplomatic work continues. An Omani delegation has flown to Tehran to resume consultations on a mechanism to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In parallel, the United States and the United Kingdom are discussing the possibility of holding a conference in London next week on forming an international coalition to secure the strait, with defence ministers expected to attend.

“Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin assured me that they would not supply weapons and in my opinion they are not involved in the Iranian issue. If they were, the consequences would be serious, it would not be in their interest.”

Trump has publicly defended China and Russia, dismissing US intelligence reports that Moscow and Beijing are aiding Tehran in some way. He stated that the two leaders had personally assured him otherwise.

Military and political pressure mount

New American forces are heading to the Middle East to give the president more options if he opts for further escalation. Trump has recently threatened to strike bridges and energy infrastructure, blamed Iran for Houthi actions, and warned that damage to commercial ships would be repaid by seizing frozen Iranian funds abroad. He has so far hesitated to approve a risky ground operation that would almost certainly cause American casualties and provoke a backlash among his MAGA supporters.

“The damage caused to ships will be compensated with Iran's funds.”

Several advisers fear the war is eroding Republican prospects for the midterm elections in November. During one recent White House meeting, Trump reportedly urged pressure on oil companies and retailers to bring down fuel prices before the vote.

Netanyahu heads to Washington next week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is confirmed to arrive in Washington on Monday. According to his office, he will meet President Trump at the White House on Tuesday and will attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump himself says he is in no hurry and believes Tehran is becoming more 'serious' in negotiations with each passing day for 'obvious reasons', but maintained that the country is not yet ready to conclude a deal.