Trump threatens Iran with a "arrow" image on social media
US President Donald Trump has published a photo pointing to a map of Iran in stocks, at a time when threats to resume war are escalating.
Meanwhile, US media reported that Trump is holding emergency meetings on Tuesday in the White House operations room with his national security team, to discuss available military options in the context of escalating tensions with Iran.
Journalist Barak Ravid said that "the discussion in the meeting will focus on assessing possible military scenarios, in light of the continued diplomatic stalemate with Tehran."
Sources talk about Trump's impatience with Iran
A well-informed US source said that Trump's patience with Iran's handling of the negotiations is running out, and that he is frustrated by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global oil prices.
In a previous post on Truth Social, Trump threatened Iran with dire consequences if its leaders did not act quickly, writing, "Time is running out for Iran and they have to move quickly, otherwise they will have nothing left."
The American website "Axios" quoted Trump as saying that he would deal a much tougher blow than its predecessors if Tehran did not make a better offer.
U.S. officials said Trump wants to reach a deal to end the war, but Iran's rejection of many of his demands and its refusal to make substantial concessions on its nuclear program has put the military option back on the table.
U.S. officials said Trump is likely to hold a meeting in the operations room with senior members of his national security team on Tuesday to discuss options for military action, according to Axios.
The Telegraph: Washington encourages UAE to enter Iranian island
The Trump administration is encouraging the United Arab Emirates to become more involved in the war against Iran, including occupying one of its islands in the Gulf.
According to a report published by the newspaper in its issue issued on Sunday, May 17, 2026 , some people close to Trump suggested that Abu Dhabi take control of the island of Lavan, which was previously bombed by secret raids carried out by Emirati forces in early April.
This trend reflects Washington's desire to increase the role of the Gulf states in the war after recalibrating their alliances in the region, amid increasing Emirati involvement in the conflict and growing relations with the occupying power.
A former senior Trump administration security official said that people close to the U.S. president addressed the Emiratis in direct terms such as: "Go and attack," suggesting that Emirati forces could be a substitute for U.S. forces on the ground.
The Telegraph added that the UAE has borne the brunt of the Iranian reaction since the start of joint US and Israeli strikes against Tehran on February 28, 2026, noting that the confrontation with more than 2,800 missiles and drones was a watershed moment for the UAE, describing it as "9/11".
Barbara Leaf, a former US ambassador to the UAE, told the New York Times: "The longer this situation lasts, the more time they have to think about their place in the world and their place in the Gulf, who is friend and who is foe."