Washington/Tehran: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that if the country does not comply with a nuclear deal, the United States will send another naval armada to the Middle East. Trump’s statement is aimed at increasing pressure on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The warning comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump today (Wednesday, U.S. time). Analysts suggest Netanyahu may try to persuade Trump to take military action against Iran. During a previous meeting on December 27 last year, Netanyahu reportedly provided Trump with a blueprint for an attack on Iran, shortly before violent protests erupted in the country.
Trump Signals Escalation if Iran Refuses Deal
Trump emphasized that the U.S. has already deployed warships across the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. “It’s a very dangerous carrier capable of launching attacks very quickly,” Trump told Axios. The carrier can accommodate up to 90 F-35 stealth fighter jets. Trump added, “One armada is already there, and another can be sent.” He also referred to last year’s strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, warning, “Either we make a deal, or we have to do something very tough like last time.”
Netanyahu Pushes for Broader U.S. Pressure
Netanyahu and the Israeli lobby are reportedly urging the U.S. to pressure Iran not only on its nuclear program but also on ballistic missile development and its influence over proxy groups in the Middle East. Iran, however, has maintained it will negotiate only on its nuclear program, halting U.S. demands during a meeting in Oman. Experts note that ballistic missile issues were not part of initial U.S. demands, but now both sides remain at an impasse.
Trump Comments on Iran Negotiations
Trump said Iran is approaching the new negotiations more seriously than before, claiming, “Last time they didn’t believe I would act. Now they’ve raised the stakes.” However, he noted that Netanyahu is not alarmed by U.S.-Iran talks, saying, “He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal.” Prior to boarding his flight to Washington, Netanyahu stated that he would present Israel’s perspective on the principles guiding the negotiations.
Trump’s warnings signal a heightened U.S. military posture in the Middle East, as tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence continue to escalate.
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