US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday that its next military confrontation with the United States could be “far worse” if Tehran did not negotiate a deal to abandon nuclear weapons, saying a “massive armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was heading toward the country.
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran … ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary,” Trump wrote on social media, urging Tehran to “come to the table” for a “fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS.” He referenced a previous US operation he called “Operation Midnight Hammer” and warned against further attacks.
Trump did not provide details on the timing or location of the deployment.
There was no immediate response from Iranian officials.
The heightened US rhetoric comes amid widespread unrest inside Iran, where anti-government protests that began in late December have continued for more than two weeks. The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic hardship after a sharp fall in the value of the rial and broader grievances over living conditions, have spread across many cities and been met with a violent crackdown by security forces, including live ammunition and other forceful measures. Independent reports estimate thousands have been killed and tens of thousands arrested, although Iran’s government puts the toll at a lower figure.
Iran’s authorities have also restricted internet access and communications nationwide, hampering independent reporting on the unrest.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been long-standing, centred on disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional influence and US sanctions. The United States has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Trump’s comments follow a series of warnings he has issued to Tehran about violence against protesters and calls for negotiations, underscoring growing friction between the two states amid one of the deadliest periods of domestic unrest in Iran in decades.
