Public criticism is intensifying following a controversial statement by Donald Trump, as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional neighbors.
The Middle East remains volatile after earlier coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel, with violence spreading across the region. Countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon have all been affected as hostilities escalate.
This week, Iran continued targeting energy facilities around the Persian Gulf. On Friday morning, a fire broke out at Kuwait’s Mina al‑Ahmadi oil refinery after a reported drone attack, according to multiple media outlets. Saudi Arabia also reported Iranian drone attacks aimed at its oil‑rich eastern regions, though the drones were reportedly intercepted.
Meanwhile, air‑raid sirens sounded overnight and into the early morning hours in both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Amid the crisis, Trump has been posting frequent updates on Truth Social, drawing concern from critics who believe his comments are adding to the instability.
The statement that sparked alarm
In a widely discussed post, Trump commented on a reported Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world.
Minutes after the news broke, oil prices surged above $105 per barrel.
South Pars produces roughly 70–75% of Iran’s total gas output, making it a critical energy source for the country. After the strikes, Iran retaliated by targeting Ras Laffan in Qatar, one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing hubs. In his post, Trump suggested Israel acted independently—a claim that has been disputed.
He wrote:
“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar – In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”
Online reactions
The message quickly raised concern online and among observers as regional tensions continued to climb. Reaction was swift and highly critical, with many questioning Trump’s handling of the situation.
One user wrote:
“He’s in so far over his head. He’s lost control. 25th amendment now. End the war. This is insane.”
Others echoed similar sentiments:
“Never in history have people less qualified had more destructive power.”
Another added: “Probably the closest Trump will ever come to an apology.”
“Iran is not Venezuela — this man is not getting it right,” another wrote.
The effect
Trump’s threatening message on Truth Social appears to have had some impact. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would pause additional strikes on Iranian energy facilities at the urging of U.S. President Donald Trump, following Wednesday’s attack on South Pars.
Instead, overnight into Friday, the Israeli military reportedly targeted what it described as infrastructure sites in Tehran. According to sources cited by the BBC, multiple explosions were heard across the city. Iran has since responded by striking several locations in Israel.
