For six seasons of Game of Thrones, one phrase defined the looming sense of dread across Westeros — “Winter is coming.” When it finally arrived, it brought widespread destruction and one of the deadliest
winters in the world, created by George R.R. Martin.
Possibly drawing from that same cultural reference, and ahead of renewed interest around the House of the Dragon universe, Donald Trump posted an AI-generated photo of himself on Truth Social with a cryptic message: “THE STORM IS COMING. NOTHING CAN STOP WHAT IS COMING.”
While it is unlikely that Trump’s post was directly inspired by Game of Thrones, his social media messages have often been closely watched for potential political signals and interpretations. In this case, the timing has triggered speculation about possible geopolitical implications, including speculation around US military posture or developments involving Iran, which has reportedly not reached a ceasefire agreement.
However, there has been no official confirmation linking the post to any specific operation or policy move, and interpretations remain speculative.
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But Trump’s post came after Axios reported that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared a plan for a “short and powerful” wave of strikes on Iran, likely including infrastructure targets.
President Trump will receive a briefing on Thursday from the leader of the US Central Command, Brad Cooper, on new plans for potential military action against Iran, as per the report. Trump has also refused to remove a naval blockade around Iran until the regime agrees to a deal that addresses US concerns about its nuclear program.
The US President had earlier rejected Iran’s proposal to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and postpone the discussions on the nuclear deal to a later stage.
Amid the possibility of the US resuming its campaign against Iran, Brent crude hit over $120 a barrel on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Trump has told national security officials to prepare for a long blockade of Iran’s ports in order to compel Tehran to give up its nuclear programme, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Trump, according to the report, does not believe that Iran is negotiating in good faith and hopes it can be forced to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years and accept tight restrictions thereafter.
A White House official said Trump told oil executives the blockade could be extended for months more.
