President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with military force, announcing a "massive Armada" led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading to the country. In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump warned "the next attack will be far worse" if Iran does not negotiate a deal abandoning nuclear weapons. The deployment comes as Iran faces violent nationwide protests and a collapsing economy.
Trump's post carried an explicit ultimatum. He wrote: «A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.»
The President demanded Iran «quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties.» He warned: «Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!»
Trump referenced a previous US military action, stating: «As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran.» Operation Midnight Hammer refers to US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June during the Iran-Israel conflict. Trump concluded: «The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again.»
Iran's Internal Crisis
The military threats coincide with a brutal crackdown on protests that began on 28 December. Activists reported at least 6,159 deaths yesterday, including 5,777 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 86 children, and 49 non-demonstrating civilians. Iran's government disputes these figures, claiming 3,117 deaths total and labeling many victims as «terrorists.» More than 41,800 people have been arrested.
The country faces severe economic collapse. The Iranian rial fell to a record low of 1.5 million to one US dollar, making everyday goods unaffordable. The internet has been shut down for more than two weeks, described as the most comprehensive blackout in Iran's history.
Diplomatic Responses
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied recent contact with US special envoy Steve Witkoff or requesting negotiations. However, diplomatic activity is intensifying. Iran's foreign minister spoke with Saudi and Turkish counterparts, while Iran's president spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday night. A senior political source in Iran indicated Washington has relayed preconditions to Tehran for halting hostilities.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided missile destroyers provide the US with strike capability against Iran. Iranian-backed militias have signaled willingness to launch new attacks in response. Gulf Arab states, despite hosting US personnel, have indicated they wish to remain uninvolved in any attack.
Many Iranians are reportedly fleeing Tehran, anticipating an imminent US strike. Iran's air defenses and military remain weakened from a June war launched by Israel.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
