US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States has deployed a powerful naval fleet toward the Middle East, signaling increased pressure on Iran and calling on Tehran to pursue negotiations to ease escalating tensions.
Speaking to Arab media, Trump said US intelligence reports suggest that Iran’s leadership in Tehran is seeking talks at this critical moment. He added that Washington has sent a large naval armada toward the region, describing it as even stronger than the military force previously used in Venezuela.
According to US defense officials, the American strike force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been dispatched to the Middle East to reinforce US military presence and deterrence capabilities. The deployment highlights growing concerns over regional security and Iran’s activities in the Gulf.
Trump emphasized that the show of force is aimed at compelling Iran to reach a deal, stressing that diplomacy remains an option if Tehran chooses compromise over confrontation.
Also Read: Any US strike will mean full scale war: Iran
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected US pressure. In a statement issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials said the arrival of the American naval fleet in the Middle East would not affect Iran’s resolve. The statement reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to defend the Iranian nation and its sovereignty under all circumstances.
US Senator Calls for Arming Iranian Protesters
In a related development, US Senator Ted Cruz called for arming Iranian protesters to help them challenge the current leadership. Writing on social media platform X, the Texas senator said the United States would be safer if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were removed from power, citing his longstanding anti-American rhetoric.
Cruz’s remarks came in response to a post by an account named Tehran Bureau, which referenced international aid for victims killed during unrest in Iran. Known for his hardline stance on Iran, Senator Cruz has previously accused the Iranian government of plotting against US leadership during the Iran-Israel conflict.
Analysts warn that such statements could further inflame tensions, as the Middle East faces heightened military activity, diplomatic strain, and growing uncertainty over Iran-US relations.
