WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that a significantly larger American naval deployment is moving toward Iran, exceeding the size of a previous fleet sent during tensions with Venezuela, as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the naval group, which includes an aircraft carrier, has been positioned closer to Iran as part of broader US military planning in the region.
“We have a very large fleet heading toward Iran, even bigger than the one sent to Venezuela,” Trump said, adding that US forces must remain stationed somewhere and that proximity to Iran was a strategic choice.
The US president expressed hope that military action would not be required and said Washington still expects Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme.
Trump has previously warned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, saying the United States remains prepared to respond if tensions escalate.
In earlier remarks shared on social media, Trump said the carrier group was moving with “clear purpose,” while reiterating his preference for diplomacy over conflict.
He also cautioned allies about expanding trade ties with China, calling such cooperation risky for countries including Britain and Canada.
