US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “time is running out” to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme, as American military forces continue a steady build-up in the Gulf.
Trump said a “massive armada” is moving toward Iran “with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.” His remarks followed reports of expanding US naval and air deployments in the region.
Iran vows immediate retaliation
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying Iran’s armed forces stand ready “with their fingers on the trigger” to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any aggression by land or sea.
Iran continues to insist its nuclear programme remains peaceful and denies accusations that it seeks nuclear weapons.
Protests and human rights crackdown
Trump’s warning comes after he promised support for Iranians facing a violent crackdown on protests that erupted earlier this month. Demonstrations began after a sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency and quickly evolved into a broader challenge to the country’s clerical leadership.
US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports more than 6,300 deaths since the unrest began, including nearly 6,000 protesters. Another rights group, Iran Human Rights, warns the final toll could exceed 25,000.
Trump earlier told protesters that “help is on the way,” although he later said executions had stopped, citing unspecified sources.
US military build-up in the Gulf
Since then, the US has expanded its military footprint across the region. Around 50,000 US personnel now operate in the Middle East, including 10,000 at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The US also maintains bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and the UAE.
Open-source tracking shows additional US fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, surveillance planes and transport aircraft arriving in recent weeks. Analysts say the US has reinforced air defences at al-Udeid following Iran’s missile strike on the base last year.
Britain has also deployed Typhoon fighter jets to the region to bolster security.
Carrier strike group approaches
A US carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has moved toward the Gulf. The carrier brings an air wing of around 70 aircraft, including F-35 stealth jets, alongside destroyers armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and a nuclear-powered submarine.
Trump summed up the situation bluntly: “We have a big flotilla going in that region, and we’ll see what happens.”
Possible US targets in Iran
Military analysts say the US could strike almost any target in Iran with its current posture, except deeply buried facilities that would require B-2 stealth bombers.
Potential targets include ballistic missile sites, coastal missile batteries, Revolutionary Guard bases, and militia units accused of suppressing protests. Analysts caution that attempts to strike Iran’s leadership could prove dangerous and unpredictable.
Risk of wider conflict
Experts warn that while Trump has shown a willingness to use force, he has avoided prolonged wars. Any strike on Iran could trigger retaliation against US forces and Gulf allies, disrupt energy markets, and push the region into wider conflict.
Analysts say Trump now weighs the desire to appear decisive against the risks of escalation and uncertain outcomes.
Source: BBC
Also read: Seven possible outcomes if the US strike Iran
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