President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran by confirming major military deployments while keeping his ultimate strategy shrouded in secrecy. When asked by reporters on Saturday whether he had made a final decision about potential military action, Trump was deliberately evasive. “I certainly can’t tell you that,” he responded, before revealing that the United States has dispatched “really big powerful ships heading in that direction,” creating considerable speculation about imminent operations.
At the heart of the confrontation is Iran’s nuclear programme, which the United States and its allies believe is intended to produce atomic weapons. Trump walked a careful line between threatening force and pursuing peace, indicating that diplomacy remains a viable option. “I hope to negotiate something that’s acceptable,” the president said, outlining his preference for “a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons.”
Trump’s recent focus on nuclear negotiations marks a departure from his earlier statements about Iran’s domestic turmoil. The president had warned of military consequences if Iranian authorities killed protesters during anti-government demonstrations that began in late December and peaked in early January. Iranian officials have acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the protests, though they maintain that most victims were security forces or bystanders killed by what they describe as violent rioters.
The president also weighed in on statements from Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister regarding US military strategy toward Iran. The Saudi official reportedly argued that hesitation on strikes would strengthen Tehran’s position, but Trump acknowledged that opinions on this approach vary. “Some people think that and some people don’t,” he said, demonstrating his awareness of the complex strategic considerations involved.
Meanwhile, Tehran has launched its own propaganda campaign in response to American threats. The Iranian capital has been covered with billboards and banners designed to rally public support and project strength against the United States. Among the most striking displays is a massive poster showing an American aircraft carrier being destroyed, a graphic warning about the potential costs of military conflict. Despite this antagonistic messaging, Trump indicated that diplomatic communications are ongoing. “They’re talking to us, seriously talking to us,” he said of Iranian officials, while expressing doubt about whether these discussions will ultimately lead to Iran abandoning its nuclear programme. The uncertainty on both sides ensures that the crisis remains highly volatile and unpredictable.