Trump Warns He’ll Send More U.S. Warships Towards Iran If Talks Fail
President Donald J. Trump on Monday warned that the United States could deploy additional warships toward Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to secure a deal, signaling a firm posture against Tehran as negotiations over its nuclear program remain stalled.
In an interview with Axios, Trump confirmed that the administration is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region, supplementing the USS Abraham Lincoln and nine other warships already stationed near Iran. The president, however, emphasized that a diplomatic resolution remains the preferred outcome.
“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” Trump told Axios, referencing the decisive U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in June.
“Last time they didn’t believe I would do it. They overplayed their hand,” he added. “We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”
Trump underscored that the U.S. is pressing Iran not only to curb its nuclear ambitions, but also to halt its ballistic missile development and end support for militant proxy groups in the region. Iranian officials, however, have resisted expanding negotiations beyond nuclear-specific matters.
“The nuclear issue is a matter of course part of any negotiation,” Trump said. “But we also need to address their missile stockpiles. We can make a great deal with Iran — they very much want to make a deal.”
Netanyahu Pushes for Stronger Terms
Trump’s statements come ahead of a scheduled visit to Washington, D.C. by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to advocate for tougher U.S. demands on Iran, including restrictions on missile capabilities and regional influence.
“I will present to the president our understanding of the principles of the negotiations — 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.
Military Presence as Strategic Leverage
The U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East in recent weeks, deploying additional warships and aircraft as both a deterrent and leverage in negotiations. Tensions were highlighted when U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone approaching the Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating the risks Tehran faces if it continues to defy international demands.
Talks in Oman earlier this month yielded minimal progress, with key differences over uranium enrichment limits and other critical issues remaining unresolved. While the White House has not announced a timeline for further military deployments, Trump reaffirmed that diplomacy remains the priority if Tehran shows a willingness to concede on core demands.
Late last month, Trump issued a stark warning on social media, noting the armada led by the Abraham Lincoln moving toward the Persian Gulf and urging Iran to “come to the table” to negotiate a nuclear deal. He cautioned that failure to negotiate could trigger action “far worse” than previous U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
In response, Iran’s mission to the United Nations signaled readiness for dialogue “based on mutual respect and interests,” but also warned that if pressured, Tehran would “respond like never before.”
Trump’s remarks underscore a dual approach of firm diplomacy backed by credible military force, reinforcing U.S. determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while protecting regional allies and American interests.