Stephen King just took to X to directly challenge those who believe President Trump’s recent claims about Iran. “If you believe that Trump is telling the truth about serious talks with Iran, I’m sorry for you,” King posted, throwing his hat into the ring amidst escalating tensions and conflicting reports from the White House.
Recently, per CNBC, Trump made some pretty bold statements stating that his “preference would be to take the oil” in Iran, even comparing it to the US military operation in Venezuela earlier this year. Trump even complained, saying, “some stupid people back in the U.S. say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” before mentioning the possibility of seizing Iran’s export hub, “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options.”
Then, in a whiplash that is to be expected, Trump suddenly warned on Monday, the 30th, that the US would “completely” obliterate Iran’s electric generating plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is not “immediately” reopened. His ask? That a peace be reached “shortly.”
Trump continues his campaign of confusion
The thing is, these aggressive threats are just the newest statement in what has been incredibly mixed messaging. It heavily implies that part of his rhetoric, if not all, is lies. He has claimed that the US had “very good meetings, both directly and indirectly,” and that Iran had agreed to most of the 15 points proposed in a peace deal.
He also suggested Iran allowed oil-laden boats through the Strait of Hormuz “out of a sign of respect.” Iran, however, has publicly denied any direct interaction with the US.
Trump then added a particularly jarring comment: “I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation. But you never know with Iran, because we negotiate with them, and then we always have to blow them up.” It’s a comment that was also echoed by Defense Secretary Hegseth, who prayed for a deal and, in the same breath, promised bombs.
The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has expanded across the region. Not only is it having an economic impact by sending oil prices through the roof, but the conflict is also hitting other countries in the region.
Kuwait recently reported that a service building at a power generation and water desalination plant was damaged in an attack. Desalination plants are critical for drinking water in the Gulf, making them incredibly sensitive targets.
On the ground, the Pentagon has deployed around 3,500 troops. This significant deployment is another indicator, even to the Iranians, that Trump hasn’t actually been genuine in his offers of peace.
Seth Krummrich, vice president of Global Guardian and a former US chief of staff for special operations, Centcom, believes we’re far from the end of this situation. “We’re probably closer to the beginning or to the middle of this story than we are to the end.”
It’s a sobering thought, and for me, it gives credence to Stephen King’s statement.
Published: Mar 31, 2026 10:23 am