Trending Now - Iran's Actions Prompt Criticism of Trump's Foreign Policy
WHO:
President Donald Trump
Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan dictator
Joe Kent, former director of the US National Counterterrorism Center
John Bolton, former national security adviser
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Steve Schmidt, former Republican strategist
The New York Times editorial board
Rep. Don Bacon
Sen. Mitch McConnell
WHAT:
Trump initiated a military invasion of Iran.
A US raid captured Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.
Joe Kent resigned on March 17th, 2026, criticizing Trump’s justification for the war.
John Bolton stated Trump is “already failing” in his military efforts against Iran.
Trump claimed he could “do anything I want” regarding Cuba.
Oil prices rose to almost $3.79 per gallon nationwide, a 27% increase since the war with Iran began.
The New York Times criticized Trump for lacking a coherent strategy in the war.
WHERE:
Strait of Hormuz
Washington, D.C.
New York
WHEN:
The war with Iran began on February 28th, 2026.
Joe Kent resigned on March 17th, 2026.
The New York Times editorial was published on March 17th, 2026.
The US raid on Maduro occurred in January 2026.
The conflict has been ongoing for 19 days as of March 18th, 2026.
WHY:
Trump initiated the war with Iran citing the need to remove the Iranian regime.
John Bolton argued that strikes alone would not topple the regime and that a more comprehensive strategy was needed.
HOW:
Trump attempted to pressure allies to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military conducted air strikes against Iran.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 05:29 UTC)
President Trump has initiated a military invasion of Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, citing the need to remove the Iranian regime. In the midst of this conflict, Joe Kent resigned from his position as director of the US National Counterterrorism Center on March 17, criticizing Trump's justification for the war, while John Bolton has stated that Trump is “already failing” in his military efforts. Meanwhile, oil prices have surged to nearly $3.79 per gallon nationwide, reflecting a 27% increase since the war began, as the New York Times published an editorial questioning Trump's lack of a coherent strategy.