Donald Trump has warned Iran that 'time is running out' to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.
The US president said a 'massive Armada' was 'moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose' towards Iran in a post on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Iran's mission to the UN said Tehran 'stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests', but if pushed, it wrote in all capitals, it will defend itself and 'respond like never before'.
Trump had previously stated he would 'rescue' protesters involved in the brutal and unprecedented crackdown on demonstrations in Iran earlier this month.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports the killing of nearly 6,000 people, including 5,633 protesters, since the unrest began in December, and is currently investigating another 17,000 reported deaths.
Trump expressed hope that Iran would 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair deal regarding nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.
As tensions escalate, Trump disclosed that the naval force in the Gulf is larger than one sent to Venezuela prior to US intervention there.
He cautioned Iran of potential future military action, referencing previous strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and warning, 'The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again.'
The Iranian Foreign Minister responded, stating that military threats are ineffective for diplomacy and urged the US to cease making excessive demands.
Using open-source tools, it has been confirmed that a naval 'armada' led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is present in the Middle East, signaling the elevated conflict potential in the region.
In June 2025, US strikes targeted three crucial uranium enrichment sites in Iran, significantly impacting Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
