Tehran/Washington: Iran issued a stark “finger on the trigger” warning to the US on Saturday after President Donald Trump announced that an “armada” of warships is heading towards the Persian gulf region, escalating tensions over Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests and its nuclear programme. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed “immediate retaliation” against any aggression, declaring regional US bases legitimate targets.
Trump’s remarks came aboard Air Force One on Thursday, confirming the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group – including destroyers USS McFaul, USS Mitscher, littoral combat ships, F-15E fighters, and 5,000 personnel – is heading from the Pacific and South China Sea. “We have an armada, a massive fleet heading in that direction… maybe we won’t have to use it,” the president stated, over Tehran’s response to anti-government demonstrations sparked by economic woes since late December. He referred to the US-Israel airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June last year, and warned executions of protesters would trigger unprecedented payback: “It’ll make those attacks look like peanuts.”
Analysts note the flotilla enhances deterrence and strike options, though Trump stressed on diplomacy: “We’re watching very closely.” Oil prices spiked 3% on supply disruption fears, with Brent nearing $85/barrel.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council labeled the deployment “psychological warfare,” activating air defenses and missile forces. “Our finger remains on the trigger,” IRGC commander Hossein Salami declared, accusing Washington of provoking war to derail nuclear talks revival. Regional allies urged restraint; Saudi Arabia and UAE expressed mediation readiness.
