Former US President Donald Trump has issued renewed warnings to Iran, declaring that "big powerful ships" are currently heading towards the Middle East. This statement comes just days after he referenced a "massive Armada" bound for Iranian waters, escalating already heightened tensions in the region.
Fresh Warnings from Air Force One
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump addressed questions about his stance towards Iran. "I certainly can't tell you that, but we do have really big powerful ships heading in that direction, as you know," he stated. The former president added, "I can't tell you, but I hope to negotiate something that's acceptable."
This follows his Tuesday announcement about an "Armada" of ships moving toward Iran, which he claimed would be larger than the fleet deployed to Venezuela during the political crisis surrounding Nicolás Maduro's government.
Truth Social Posts Escalate Rhetoric
On his Truth Social platform, Trump posted detailed warnings to Tehran. "A massive Armada is heading to Iran," he wrote. "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."
The former president continued with stark language: "Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing and able to rapidly fulfil its mission with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties."
References to Previous Attacks
Trump referenced last summer's targeted strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that Tehran must negotiate or face consequences. "Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" he declared. "As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was 'Operation Midnight Hammer,' a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again."
Iran's Supreme Leader Responds
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to the United States on Sunday, representing his most direct threat to date. The 86-year-old leader stated that if "they start a war, this time it will be a regional war."
Iranian state television broadcast Khamenei's comments online, where he declared: "We are not the instigators and we do not seek to attack any country. But the Iranian nation will deliver a firm blow to anyone who attacks or harasses it."
Broader International Context
These developments occur alongside Trump's recent comments regarding international relations. He warned that it would be "very dangerous" for the United Kingdom to conduct business with China, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Shanghai this week for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
When questioned by journalists about UK efforts to strengthen economic ties with China, Trump voiced strong disapproval. "Well, it's very dangerous for them to do that, and it's even more dangerous, I think, for Canada to get into business with China," he stated, adding that Canada was performing "poorly" and asserting "you can't look at China as the answer."
The escalating rhetoric between Trump and Iranian leadership comes at a sensitive time for Middle East diplomacy, with nuclear negotiations remaining stalled and military posturing increasing on both sides.
