US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with one of the largest naval armadas ever assembled near its shores while insisting that diplomacy remains a viable option. The US Department of Defence has deployed a formidable fleet—including multiple aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and patrol ships—into the Gulf region and surrounding waters.
According to Washington sources, Trump came close to authorising military strikes on Iranian targets in response to the violent crackdown on anti-government protests that have left thousands dead since late December.
In a late Monday interview, Trump described the situation with Iran as “complex and jaded”.
“We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela,” he said, referring to the naval build-up that preceded the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Trump suggested Tehran genuinely wants to negotiate, stating, “They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk.”
Iran has repeatedly expressed willingness to engage in talks with the United States, provided Washington respects Tehran’s core concerns, particularly its right to peaceful nuclear energy—a longstanding point of friction in 2025 negotiations.
The centrepiece of the US military buildup is the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, now operating in the Middle East, as confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Additional F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, refuelling tankers, and advanced air defence systems have also been deployed. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited Israel on Saturday to discuss joint military planning.
In response to the US encirclement, IRGC General Mohammad Pakpour issued a stern warning over the weekend, stating the Revolutionary Guard is “more ready than ever” with “fingers on the trigger” to defend the country.
He promised to target American military bases across the Middle East and Israel if provoked, while warning Washington and its allies against “any miscalculations”.
Iranian officials have blamed the US and Israel for instigating the severe internal unrest. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently confirmed that over 3,000 people have been killed during the protests that erupted in late December.
The Trump administration appears internally divided; some officials reportedly push to enforce the president’s “red line” and punish Tehran decisively, while others question the strategic value and potential consequences of military action.
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