WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, ‘We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn’t have to use them,’ according to reports.
Trump emphasized that Iran must not pursue nuclear weapons capability and must cease the killing of protesters.
Trump made the remarks as he indicated plans to speak with Iranian officials, saying he hoped further dialogue could reduce the risk of conflict even as the US military posture in the region strengthens.
The growing US maritime presence includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln strike group and accompanying guided-missile destroyers, among additional warships deployed this week to the Middle East. Pentagon officials confirmed the arrival of an additional destroyer, bringing the total US naval force in the region higher amid heightened readiness, reported India Today.
Trump’s comments reflect an effort to balance pressure on Iran’s government with warning rhetoric, while publicly expressing hope that conflict can be avoided. He reiterated demands for Tehran to negotiate a deal — particularly on nuclear issues — and suggested that “time is running out” for a diplomatic solution before more forceful measures would be considered.
In a separate statement, the US president said he hoped military action would not be necessary, pointing to ongoing efforts to pursue negotiations even as the naval buildup continues.
Iran has pushed back against Washington’s deployment and warnings. Iranian officials have rejected negotiations under military pressure, saying there can be no talks while threats of force persist. Tehran’s foreign ministry said that diplomacy “cannot be conducted through military pressure,” and that Iranian armed forces remain prepared to defend against any attack, reports claim.
EU declares Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as ‘terrorists’, Iran dubs it ‘major mistake’
The European Union has added Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list in response to Tehran’s deadly crackdown on protesters in recent weeks, reported the BBC.
“Repression cannot go unanswered,” the bloc’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reportedly said the EU decision was a “stunt.” He had also dubbed it as a “major strategic mistake”.
