"Trump Always Chickens Out": Why Iran Compares the U.S. President to a Taco
A commentator close to the Tehran regime mocked President Trump following the cancellation of a strike against Iran. After promising to destroy "an entire civilization," Trump agreed to de-escalate, sparking ridicule in Iran.
Mohammad Mardani, a commentator close to the Iranian regime, posted a photo of Mexican street food — tacos — on Sunday. The reason was not hunger, but a mocking acronym for the U.S. president's behavior: TACO — "Trump Always Chickens Out." Although the phrase was coined before the current hostilities, the cycle of threats followed by retreats has become a recurring pattern.
The latest demonstration occurred over the weekend: on Friday, Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would hit Iran "very strongly." U.S. media reported that Washington and Jerusalem were preparing to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, with the "Wall Street Journal" claiming the goal was to force Iran to surrender.
However, on the night between Saturday and Sunday, the world saw a familiar message: Trump posted on Truth Social that he was "responding to the request of Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to avoid a strike after the outlines of a deal were agreed."
Trump's threats during the war have included seizing Kharg "oil island," destroying Iran's power grid and bridges, obliterating "an entire civilization" in one night, and destroying the underground facility at "Mahshiel Mountain."
This pattern began on March 22, when Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power stations if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours. About 36 hours later, he reported "good talks" with Iran and ordered the Pentagon to pause the strike.
Ceasefires have been repeatedly extended since. On April 7, Trump promised that "an entire civilization will die tonight," yet just over an hour before the ultimatum expired, the U.S. and Iran announced a two-week truce. Later, on May 4, Trump launched the "Freedom Project" to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, only to pause it the next day citing "mutual agreement." The "New York Times" reported that the actual reason was Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its bases and airspace.
On June 17, Trump signed a memorandum of understanding at the Palace of Versailles alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, which soon reached a stalemate. On July 22, Trump again threatened to destroy an Iranian bridge or power station in retaliation for attacks on ships, but by July 27, he announced that strikes would stop, citing "good chances" for progress in negotiations.
