A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF DONALD TRUMP’S 2026 SPEECHES ON THE USA–IRAN CONFLICT: EXPLORING NATIONALISM, IDEOLOGICAL POLARIZATION, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE “US VERSUS THEM” DICHOTOMY THROUGH VAN DIJK’S SOCIO-COGNITIVE MODEL

Abstract

This study examines the political speeches of Donald Trump in the context of the possible war between the USA and Iran in 2026, adopting the socio-cognitive model of Teun A. van Dijk in the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Objectives: to witness the development of nationalism, ideological differences and "Us versus Them" concept through language.They selected qualitative design and selected four speeches for closer inspection which were related to the conflict. These talks were analyzed from three different perspectives: macro, micro and socio-cognitive levels. The findings indicate that Trump present the USA as the champions of peace and civilization and Iran as a threat. He employs a variety of rhetorical devices, such as particular word selection, pronouns, metaphors, rhetoric, and exaggeration to support his actions and reinforce his ideas. The research demonstrates that speech can influence public opinion, stir the national sentiment and foster the balance of power. On the whole, it shows how political discussion contributes to the development of ideas, the construction of national identities and the legitimation of actions in international conflicts.