Public criticism is intensifying following a controversial statement by Donald Trump, as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional neighbours.

The situation in the Middle East has remained volatile after earlier coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel, with violence spreading across the region. Countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon have all been impacted as hostilities escalate.

This week, Iran has continued targeting energy facilities around the Persian Gulf. On Friday morning, a fire broke out at Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery following a reported drone attack, according to multiple media outlets.

Saudi Arabia has also reported Iranian drone attacks aimed at its oil-rich eastern regions, though the drones were reportedly shot down.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens were triggered overnight and in the early hours in both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Amid the crisis, Trump has been posting frequent updates on Truth Social, drawing concern from critics who believe his comments are adding to the instability.

The statement that sparked alarm
In a widely discussed post, Trump commented on a reported Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world.

Minutes after the news, oil prices jumped above $105 per barrel.

South Pars produces roughly 70–75% of Iran’s total gas output, making it a vital energy source for the country. Following the strikes, Iran retaliated by targeting Ras Laffan in Qatar, one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facilities.

In his post, Trump suggested that Israel acted independently in the attack—a claim that has been disputed.

In the post, the president wrote:

“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar – In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

Online reactions
The message quickly triggered concern online and among observers, especially as tensions in the region continued to rise. Online reaction has been swift and highly critical, with many questioning Trump’s handling of the situation.

One user wrote:

“He’s in so far over his head. He’s lost control. 25th amendment now. End the war. This is insane,”

Others echoed similar concerns:

“Never in history have people less qualified had more destructive power,”

Another added: “Probably the closest Trump will ever come to an apology.”

”Iran is not Venezuela this man is not getting it right,” another wrote.

The effect
It appears, however, that Trump’s threatening message on Truth Social may have had some effect. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would hold off on attacking additional energy facilities in Iran at the urging of U.S. President Donald Trump, following Wednesday’s strike on South Pars.

Instead, overnight into Friday, the Israeli military reportedly targeted what it described as infrastructure sites in Tehran. According to sources cited by the BBC, multiple explosions were heard across the city. Iran has since responded by striking several locations in Israel.