Donald Trump has warned Iran that 'time is running out' to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.
The US president stated a 'massive Armada' was 'moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose' towards Iran in a post on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Iran's mission to the UN stated that Tehran 'stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests', but warned that if pushed, it would defend itself and 'respond like never before'.
Trump had previously indicated he would 'rescue' protesters involved in the brutal crackdown on demonstrations in Iran earlier this month.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the killing of nearly 6,000 individuals, including over 5,600 protesters, since unrest began in late December.
During a tense climate, Trump emphasized the need for Iran to negotiate a 'fair and equitable' deal, insisting that it must not pursue nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump's comments come as a substantial naval force, spearheaded by the USS Abraham Lincoln, moves into the region, with the former president asserting that the force is 'ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary'.
In June 2025, US airstrikes had targeted three of Iran's uranium enrichment facilities, leading American officials to claim the operations had significantly delayed Tehran's path to a nuclear weapon.
The continuing tensions saw the Iranian foreign minister stating that military threats were not conducive to meaningful diplomacy, calling instead for an end to aggressive posturing in favor of negotiations.
