Trump Posts Iran Map Draped in US Flag as Netanyahu Pushes to Resume Military Action

WASHINGTON, May 23: US President Donald Trump on Saturday posted an image on Truth Social showing a map of the Middle East centered on Iran and overlaid with the US flag, captioned “United States of the Middle East?”.

The post came amid heightened diplomatic activity over Iran, as Trump also prepared to hold a phone call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, according to Reuters, citing an Arab official. Axios reported that the call was expected at 1 pm ET to discuss the evolving situation with Iran.

In separate remarks to CBS News, Trump said he had reviewed a draft agreement with Tehran but declined to confirm whether he had approved it, noting: “There’s a draft,” and adding that the process was still ongoing. He also said the two sides were “getting a lot closer” as negotiations continued to prevent renewed conflict.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concern over a potential US-Iran agreement and has urged Trump to consider renewed military strikes, Axios reported citing Israeli officials.