Trump threatens Iran with ‘armada’ bigger than around Venezuela

Tehran has warned that it stands ready with its “finger on the trigger” to fend off any US or Israeli aggression

The US Department of War has deployed a “big armada” of warships and other military assets near Iran, US President Donald Trump has stated, while insisting that diplomacy remains an option.

Earlier this month, Trump reportedly came close to ordering strikes on Iranian targets in response to a violent crackdown on anti-government protests that left thousands dead, according to a number of human rights groups. While he delayed that decision, military assets have continued to flow to the region.

In an interview with Axios on Monday, Trump stated the situation with Iran remains “in flux.”

“We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela,” he said, referencing a US naval buildup near the South American nation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

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At the same time, Trump suggested that Tehran genuinely wants to negotiate a deal, claiming: “They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk.”

The centerpiece of the buildup is the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed is now operating in the Middle East. An additional F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, refueling tankers, and air defense systems have also been deployed. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited Israel on Saturday to discuss joint military plans.

In response, General Mohammad Pakpour of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning over the weekend. He stated that the IRGC is “more ready than ever, finger on the trigger” to defend the country and promised “painful” consequences for any aggression from the US or Israel.

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Tehran warned Washington against “any miscalculations,” blaming the US and Israel for instigating the severe internal unrest in Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently said that over 3,000 people were killed during violent protests that began in late December.

The Trump administration appears divided regarding how to proceed forward. Some officials have reportedly advocated for enforcing the president’s “red line” to punish Tehran, while others have questioned what strategic goal bombing would achieve.

Washington has long pushed for a deal that would require Iran to get rid of all of its enriched uranium, cap its missile stockpile, cease support for regional proxies, and abandon independent uranium enrichment – terms Iran has shown no willingness to accept.