An ultimatum to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warnings of seizing Iranian oil companies, and the firm belief that Tehran would crumble under a single American strike—these elements of Donald Trump’s 2026 Iran war strategies might seem like modern developments. However, it may surprise many to learn that he publicly declared these exact views nearly four decades ago. A specific advertisement placed by Trump in major newspapers in 1987, which criticized American foreign policy, is once again gaining global attention.

The $95,000 Newspaper Advertisement:

In 1987, while he was still just a 41-year-old businessman, Donald Trump took out full-page advertisements in three of America’s most prominent newspapers. To publish his message in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, he spent exactly $94,801. This advertisement is now viewed as one of the first clear signals of his eventual political ambitions for the White House.
The piece was published under a headline: "There’s nothing wrong with America’s Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone can’t cure." Trump lashed out at American leaders, arguing that the world was laughing at how the United States was handling the crisis in the Gulf region during the Iran-Iraq War.

Why Should We Spend Money for Others?

During that period, the U.S. Navy was providing protection to oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump vehemently criticized this move. His stance was that the U.S. was protecting ships carrying oil that it did not own and did not need, all for the sake of allies who were unwilling to help the U.S. in return. He argued that wealthy nations like Japan were using the American military for their own needs, while the United States alone shouldered the financial burden and the risk of losing lives.
Trump reminded the public that the Gulf region was of relatively low importance to the U.S. in terms of oil supply, whereas countries like Japan depended on it entirely. He advocated for a policy where the United States should charge money for military protection from countries that were capable of defending themselves.

A Hardline Stance Against Iran:

Trump’s position on Iran was just as rigid back then as it is today. In a 1988 interview with The Guardian, he stated: "If they fire one conventional bullet at one of our ships or one of our soldiers, I would take over Kharg Island. I’d go in and I’d just take it."
Trump believed that strikes against Iran were not merely acts of retaliation, but a clear demonstration of his vision regarding where and how American power should be exercised.

Observations from Experts:

Political analysts believe that the same arguments Trump raised in the 1980s remain the foundation of his political stance today. They evaluate that Trump’s upcoming warnings to American allies in Europe and other parts of the world will likely center on sharing the financial burden of war. Trump’s long-standing philosophy—that if American power is to benefit the world, the allies must share the costs—is what is being reflected in the current theaters of conflict.