Trump threatens Iran with a second aircraft carrier group, but assesses talks positively

President of the United States Donald Trump said that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to prepare for military action if negotiations with Iran fail, but at the same time praised the dialogue. The American politician said this said in an interview with Axios.

"Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time (in June 2025, the United States launched strikes against nuclear facilities of Iran – Ed.)," Trump said.

He said he expects a second round of US-Iranian talks next week.

The US president said that "we have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going," adding that he was thinking about sending another aircraft carrier group.

An unnamed U.S. official confirmed to Axios that there have been discussions about sending a second such group to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its unit, which, in particular, includes fighters and has in service long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Trump also expressed optimism about the diplomatic path, claiming that Iran "wants to make a deal very badly" and is much more engaged than in previous negotiations because of the military threat.

"Last time they didn't believe I would do it," the American leader said, alluding to his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025.

According to him, this time the negotiations are "very different."

Iran has publicly insisted that it will not negotiate on any issues other than its nuclear program, and even then it will not give up its right to enrich uranium.

This led the hawks (supporters of a tough foreign policy) in the US and Israel to conclude that a comprehensive agreement was impossible and that Trump should instead move to the military option.

The US president said it was obvious that any agreement should cover Tehran's nuclear program, but he believes it should also address the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile stockpile.

"We can make a great deal with Iran," the politician added.

• The last talks between Washington and Tehran took place in Oman on February 6, for the first time since the US strikes and the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025. WSJ interlocutors stated that the new talks have seen the Islamic Republic maintain its refusal to stop enriching nuclear fuel.
• Deputy director of the Center for Middle East Studies Danylov stated LIGA.net that Iran cannot meet the demands of the United States in the negotiations, and a possible American strike on the Islamic Republic will be positive for Ukraine.