Flip flop or deliberate? - Unpacking Trump’s strategy on Iran
The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue looks at the US president's mixed messaging over the war and the questions it raises.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!"
— Donald Trump , Politician
"We’re gonna hit ’em again hard today … and we’ll see what happens with a deal. We’re really close to a deal but they keep on tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"when I tell Netanyahu to do something, he does it."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"I can say it now. Something you didn’t know. Do you know we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it."
— Donald Trump , Politician
Key People
Benjamin Netanyahu is the prime minister of Israel.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Gary O'Donoghue is a political correspondent for BBC News.
Kenneth Iwamansa is an individual sentenced for administering ketamine.
Pete Hegseth is the United States Secretary of Defense.
Samira Hussain is a BBC reporter who covers various news stories.
Longtime Republican Senator from Maine who has served nearly 30 years.
Tags
All Coverage
The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue looks at the US president's mixed messaging over the war and the questions it raises.
An analysis of President Trump's inconsistent statements regarding the conclusion of the Iran war, highlighting contradictions and confusion within the administration's messaging.
A critique of President Trump's contradictory statements and actions concerning the Iran conflict, emphasizing the challenges in aligning his narrative with actual events.
The proposed U.S.-Iran memorandum includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief for Iran, and a 60-day negotiation window over Iran’s nuclear program, pending final approval.
Former President Trump's claim about a covert oil extraction operation from Iran has come under scrutiny and appears to be misleading, as similar activities had been previously reported.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Trump says Iran should surrender, threatens to bomb Oman - Reuters
Trump says Iran should surrender, threatens to bomb Oman Reuters
August 17, 2026 at 02:46 PMTrump wants more economic pressure on Iran. What are his options? - Reuters
Trump wants more economic pressure on Iran. What are his options? Reuters
August 16, 2026 at 11:34 AMTrump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it 'gets in the way' over Iran deal
Trump's threat on Oman, which has been holding its own talks with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, comes as a 60-day window for peace negotiations expires.
August 17, 2026 at 04:26 PMTrump threatens 'tremendous economic consequences' on any country helping Iran
It comes after a 60-day ceasefire expired on Monday, with no sign of a diplomatic or military off-ramp to the conflict.
August 20, 2026 at 12:52 AMIran's state media mock Trump over airplane switch, meme shows him hiding in a catering truck - Reuters
Iran's state media mock Trump over airplane switch, meme shows him hiding in a catering truck Reuters
August 13, 2026 at 11:54 AMTrump's envoys meet mediators, Israel strikes Gaza - Reuters
Trump's envoys meet mediators, Israel strikes Gaza Reuters
August 16, 2026 at 05:58 PM