President Donald Trump warned Monday that the United States could send additional warships toward Iran if ongoing diplomatic negotiations fail to produce a deal, signaling that military pressure could increase as talks over Tehran’s nuclear program stall, according to an interview published this week.
In remarks to Axios, Trump said the administration is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region in addition to the USS Abraham Lincoln and 9 additional warships already positioned near Iran, though he expressed hope that a diplomatic agreement can still be reached.
“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” the president told Axios on Tuesday, a reference to the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites in June.
“Last time they didn’t believe I would do it. They overplayed their hand,” Trump added. “We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”
The president emphasized that the United States is seeking to persuade Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, halt the development of its ballistic missile program, and end support for militant proxy groups. Iranian officials have so far resisted expanding negotiations beyond nuclear-related issues.
He described the nuclear issue as a “matter of course” part of any negotiation, but also insisted that an agreement with Iran must also address Tehran’s ballistic missile stockpiles, per Axios.
Trump said the US “can make a great deal with Iran,” and Tehran “very much wants to make a deal.”
Trump’s comments came ahead of a planned visit to Washington, D.C. by Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to press for a tougher U.S. stance and broader terms for any Iran deal that would include constraints on Tehran’s missile capabilities and regional activities.
Before heading to DC, the Israeli leader previewed some of what he and Trump were going to discuss.
“I will present to the president our understanding of the principles of the negotiations (with Iran) – the essential principles that are important not only to Israel – but to everyone who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu told reporters, per the New York Post.
The administration has already bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, with multiple warships and aircraft deployed as a means of deterrence and leverage. A recent incident saw U.S. forces shoot down an Iranian drone approaching the Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, underscoring tensions amid the stalled negotiations.
Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials resumed earlier this month in Oman, but produced limited progress, leaving key differences over enrichment limits and other issues unresolved.
The White House has not indicated a timeline for any further military deployments, and Trump maintained that diplomatic efforts remain a preference if Tehran shows willingness to concede on core demands.
Trump issued a forceful warning to Iran late last month, saying “time is running out” for Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear deal as a substantial U.S. naval force moves into the Middle East.
In a message on social media, Trump noted the US armada, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, was heading toward the Persian Gulf and urged Iran to “come to the table” to negotiate an agreement that would prevent the development of nuclear weapons. He repeated threats that if Iran refuses to negotiate, future U.S. military action could be “far worse” than past strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
In response, Iran’s mission to the UN said Tehran “stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests.” But the response also noted in all caps if pushed, the country would “respond like never before.”
Trump’s comments underscored both diplomatic pressure and a growing military presence in the region, with U.S. forces reported to be deploying as part of a broader effort to influence Tehran’s strategic decisions, reports noted.
