Trump savaged after humiliating Iran defeat – 'Trump Always Chickens Out'

US President Donald Trump is being mocked after his foul-mouthed threats to Iran were followed by a decision to agree to a two-week ceasefire. His decision to stand down at least for now, Bloomberg reported, marked the latest case of the president backing off a threat to broaden the list of military targets in Iran to include civilian infrastructure such as power plants and desalination facilities.

In March, the same outlet also said, he gave Iran five days to reopen the strait or face such attacks, but then extended the deadline another 10 days. Mr Trump’s behaviour also attracted criticism on social media, with users giving the pattern its own acronym — TACO, or Trump Always Chickens Out.

Author Stephen King also joined in the trend, posting a Taco with the face of Mr Trump on X with the caption ‘It’s TACO Tuesday!’ Other users shared other memes along the same line. The United States and Iran agreed to a dramatic last-minute ceasefire deal, just minutes before a chilling deadline for major military action was due to expire. The agreement, which Trump described as “workable”.

The ceasefire also means Iran agreed to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as part of the ceasefire deal, but only if attacks against the country are halted. In the last few days, Mr Trump sent several threats to Iran saying: “The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night could be tomorrow night.”

In his foul-mouthed Truth Social rant over the weekend, Mr Trump gave Tehran until tomorrow to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or further strikes would be launched. He wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!

“Open the F****n’ Strait, you crazy b******s, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

While the agreement has eased fears of an immediate escalation between the US and Iran, major disagreements remain over sanctions, frozen assets and the future of regional security.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran overnight and said it was an opportunity to secure a long-term solution for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Prime Minister is travelling to the Middle East on Wednesday, where he is expected to discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the pause in fighting with leaders of Gulf allies. The Prime Minister said: “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.

“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”