Officials within the Trump administration have indicated that the President's social media commentary is impeding efforts to reach an agreement with Iran. Speaking anonymously to media outlets, some officials criticized this behavior, stating there is little they can do to mitigate the damage when the President disregards their advice.
For instance, during a phone call with reporters last Friday, Trump discussed negotiation details, claiming Iran had agreed to suspend its nuclear program "indefinitely." However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei promptly denied this assertion in an interview with Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.
On Monday, Trump published multiple posts on Truth Social totaling over 900 words. The content included comparisons between the Iran conflict and past U.S. wars, the economic impact on Iran from a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the effects of "Operation Midnight Hammer" on Iran's nuclear capabilities. Administration officials noted these posts are detrimental to the sensitive ongoing negotiations, particularly given Iran's distrust of the United States.
Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Trump has made a series of social media statements that critics argue undermine diplomatic efforts and potentially cross legal boundaries. Prior to agreeing to a two-week ceasefire, Trump threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges—a move experts suggest could violate international law. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, "Even if specific civilian infrastructure is identified as a military target, international humanitarian law still prohibits attacks against it."
Daniel Drezner, a professor at Tufts University and long-time political blogger, observed that these actions reveal Trump's difficulties with focus and impulse control, which profoundly impact his Iran policy.
For example, in a Monday social media post, Trump claimed he felt no pressure to reach a deal, despite previously citing media reports as a source of pressure. "I am under no pressure, however, everything will happen very quickly!" he wrote on Truth Social.
Despite concerns that Trump's public comments could disrupt ceasefire talks, the White House has defended his approach. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said in an interview, "Thanks to President Trump's negotiating skills, the U.S. has never been closer to a good deal with Iran, unlike the bad agreement reached by the Obama administration. Anyone who fails to see President Trump's long-term strategy is either foolish or deliberately turning a blind eye."
Drezner also noted that for years, Trump's aides have spoken about him to reporters as if he were a child with no self-control. He added, "Now, even these sycophants are leaking information about him, indicating they realize the ship is taking on water and they need to find lifeboats."
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump on Monday evening in a post on X of trying to force Iran back to the negotiating table. "We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats. Over the past two weeks, we have been prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield," he wrote.
The impact extends beyond the Iran negotiations. According to Sebastian Barrack, Head of Commodities at Citadel, Trump's remarks are also reshaping oil market behavior. At this week's Financial Times Global Commodities Summit, Barrack partly attributed oil and gas price swings of up to 300% during the initial weeks of the conflict to Trump's Truth Social posts. He revealed he now uses a dedicated screen to monitor the President's social media activity.
For example, on March 23, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. had held "productive" talks with Iran, causing a sharp drop in crude oil prices. Earlier in March, a post declaring the war "completely over" also triggered a significant oil price decline.
The conflict is growing increasingly unpopular among the American public. An Ipsos poll conducted during the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire found only 36% of Americans support U.S. military strikes against Iran. The poll also revealed that just 26% believe Trump has a "calm temperament," including some Republicans. Furthermore, 51% of Americans—including 14% of Republicans—said they believe Trump's mental sharpness has declined over the past year.
In an interview on Tuesday morning, Trump expressed confidence that the U.S. would reach a "great deal" with Iran. When asked if he would extend the ceasefire to allow more time for peace talks, he replied, "Well, I don't want to do that." He added, "If a peace agreement isn't reached, I expect bombing to occur, because I believe that is the better way to respond."
However, shortly after the interview aired, Trump issued a statement on social media announcing an extension of the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits its proposal and completes related consultations. Trump stated that the Iranian government is "severely divided internally" and noted that, at the request of Pakistani leaders, "we have been asked to hold off on attacking Iran until its leaders and representatives can present a unified proposal."
Trump said he has directed U.S. forces to maintain the maritime blockade on Iranian ports and remain on high alert. He will extend the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal and consultations are concluded.
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