Overview
- News outlets have republished Donald Trump’s 1987 newspaper ad and a 1988 Guardian quote about Kharg Island to connect his early views to the current Iran war.
- In 1987, Trump spent $94,801 on a full‑page ad in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Boston Globe under a headline calling for more backbone in U.S. foreign policy.
- The ad argued the U.S. was protecting “ships we don’t own, carrying oil we don’t need” in the Strait of Hormuz and said wealthy partners like Japan and Saudi Arabia should pay or defend themselves.
- Analysts, citing Financial Times reporting, say this throughline helps explain pressure on allies today and warn leaders could face ultimatums to fund or support the campaign.
- Hindustan Times reports the United States is pushing a ceasefire with Iran and has sent a 15‑point peace plan through Pakistan for potential talks.