US assembles massive naval force near Iran, Trump says

Military pressure and diplomatic signals

The situation with Iran remains volatile. In an interview with Axios, Trump confirmed that he had sent a ''big armada'' to the region, which exceeds in strength the forces previously deployed to Venezuela.

In particular, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has already entered the area of responsibility of US Central Command.

Despite the military preparations, Trump believes that Tehran sincerely wants a diplomatic settlement.

"They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk," the US president said.

Washington's conditions and options

Although protests in Iran have largely been suppressed, the White House is still considering the possibility of carrying out strikes. This week, Trump will hold additional consultations on military options. At the same time, US officials outlined key requirements for any future deal:

• Complete removal of enriched uranium from Iran;

• Strict limits on long-range missile arsenals;

• Cessation of support for armed groups in the region;

• A ban on independent uranium enrichment.

Iranian officials said they are ready for negotiations but expressed no willingness to accept these conditions.

Context of the 12-day war

Trump recalled the events of the June Iran–Israel 12-day war, stating that his support for Israel's preventive strike prevented a catastrophe.

According to him, Iran was preparing a devastating attack at the time but lost its leaders and a significant part of its missile potential.

"They would have attacked...but that first day (of the war - ed.) was brutal for them. They lost their leaders and many of their missiles," Trump said.

US intelligence currently assesses that Iran's nuclear facilities have been severely damaged, but the status of its uranium stockpiles remains unclear.

Strengthening of military presence

The US military is preparing for any order. In addition to the aircraft carrier, the following have been deployed to the region:

• Additional F-15 and F-35 fighter jets;

• Refueling aircraft;

• Air defense systems.

In addition, Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited Israel to coordinate plans in the event of a retaliatory Iranian attack.

It is recalled that large-scale anti-government protests in Iran began in late 2025. The wave swept through Tehran after a sharp collapse of the national currency and a worsening economic situation, which forced local entrepreneurs to take to the streets.

In recent weeks, the violent suppression of unrest has led to the deaths of thousands of people.

In response to Tehran's actions, US President Donald Trump officially warned the ayatollah regime of readiness for extremely harsh measures if the suppression of protesters continues.

The American leader called for the dismantling of the current regime and emphasized the need for a change in the country's leadership. To reinforce his words, Trump ordered a significant naval flotilla to be sent to the region.