The dysfunction of Trump’s Iran policy continues to play out in dramatic fashion. Just days after trying to tone down the growing war rhetoric, Trump has threatened Tehran via a tweet that it would be “the official end” if Iran seeks a war. The President’s threat comes on the heels of a missile attack near the US embassy in Baghdad and as the US continues to build up its military presence in the Persian Gulf and neighboring Arab countries.

If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019

Given the timing of the Tweet, which was posted shortly after Bolton visited the White House, one wonders if the US has immediate plans to escalate.

Bolton wants to take advantage of the slightest/vaguest pretext to have his war with #Iran. You can bet he’s pressuring Trump for military strikes. https://t.co/VJSF2AGP1M — Sina Toossi (@SinaToossi) May 19, 2019

Trump has used similar rhetoric against North Korea and Chairman Kim Jong Un, saying in August 2017 that North Korea “best not make any more threats to the United States” or the nation would be “met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.”