President Donald Trump fueled speculation about a possible renewed military confrontation with Iran after posting a cryptic message Saturday on Truth Social.

The post included an AI-generated image showing Trump alongside a US Navy admiral standing before rough seas filled with warships, including one bearing the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Above the image appeared the message: “It was calm before the storm.”

The post came as reports surfaced suggesting the United States and Israel are preparing for the possibility that military operations against Iran could resume in the near future.

According to a report published Saturday by The New York Times, Washington and Jerusalem are engaged in intensive military preparations for potential renewed strikes against Iran as early as next week.

The report described the buildup as the largest military mobilization since the ceasefire between the sides took effect.

Trump signaled Friday that he could accept a 20-year freeze on Iran’s nuclear program, but stressed that any agreement would require what he described as genuine guarantees from Tehran.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from his trip to China, Trump discussed the latest Iranian proposal regarding the conflict.

“Well, I looked at it, and if I don’t like the first sentence, I just throw it away,” Trump said.

He explained that the opening line of the proposal was “an unacceptable sentence because they fully agree, no nuclear, and if they have any nuclear of any form, I don’t read the rest of their letter.”

Asked whether a 20-year moratorium would satisfy him, Trump replied, “No, 20 years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them is not enough. In other words, it’s got to be a real 20 years, not a fake 20.”

Trump also warned Thursday during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News that his patience with Iran is running out.

“I’m not going to be much more patient. No, I’m not. They should make a deal. Any sane person would make a deal, but they might be crazy,” Trump said.

The interview aired only hours after Trump hinted in another Truth Social post that military action against Iran could continue despite the current ceasefire.

Those remarks followed his diplomatic visit to China, where Iran reportedly remained a central topic in discussions.