Trump Says U.S. ‘Armada’ Steaming Towards Iran As Tensions Rise
President Donald J. Trump confirmed Thursday that the United States is moving a major naval force toward Iran, describing the deployment as a deterrent aimed at restraining Tehran amid internal unrest and renewed concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump emphasized that the show of force is precautionary, not provocative. He made clear that while the administration prefers diplomacy and restraint, it will not hesitate to protect American interests or respond to escalating threats from the Iranian regime.
“We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction, and we’ll see what happens,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One after leaving the Davos summit in Switzerland. “We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely.”
Trump further underscored the scale of the deployment, describing it as a significant military posture meant to ensure readiness rather than provoke conflict.
“We have an armada — we have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it,” Trump said, framing the move as a safeguard while monitoring developments in the region.
According to U.S. officials, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by several guided-missile destroyers, is expected to reach the Middle East within days, expanding American operational flexibility. Pentagon officials are also evaluating the deployment of additional air-defense systems to shield U.S. troops and installations from potential retaliation.
The naval movement comes as Iran faces mounting international scrutiny over its violent suppression of nationwide protests and fears that it may revive or expand its nuclear program. President Trump has previously warned Tehran of severe consequences should it pursue mass executions or further nuclear escalation.
Markets reacted swiftly to the heightened tensions, with global oil prices rebounding amid concerns that instability in the Middle East could threaten energy supplies.
In a separate announcement Thursday, President Trump also revealed that U.S. negotiators have established a “framework of a future deal” concerning Greenland and broader Arctic security arrangements.
Speaking from Washington after returning from Davos, Trump said he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reached a preliminary understanding on Greenland’s strategic role, with additional details expected within two weeks. While specifics remain undisclosed, Trump indicated the framework aligns with long-term U.S. interests in Arctic security, trade routes, and access to natural resources.
The announcement followed Trump’s decision to withdraw earlier tariff threats against several European nations that opposed increased U.S. engagement in Greenland. He reiterated that the United States would not pursue military force to gain control of the territory.
Describing the framework as durable, Trump suggested it could last “forever” and confirmed that Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and senior envoys will continue negotiations.
However, key questions remain unresolved. Danish and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly stated that the island’s sovereignty is non-negotiable without their direct participation, with Danish leaders calling Greenland a national red line.
Trump’s remarks come amid rising international attention on Arctic geopolitics, as NATO allies weigh strategies to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region while preserving regional stability and national sovereignty.