US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying “time is running out” for Tehran to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme as American military forces continue to build up in the Gulf.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said a “massive armada” was moving toward Iran “with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose,” urging the country to return to the negotiating table.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” he wrote.
The warning comes amid growing tension between Washington and Tehran, following weeks of unrest in Iran and international concern over a deadly crackdown on protests.
Iran reacted sharply, with its mission to the United Nations saying the country is open to talks “based on mutual respect and interests,” but warned it would defend itself if provoked.
In a strongly worded message, Iran said it would “respond like never before” if pushed into confrontation.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the idea of negotiations under military pressure, saying diplomacy cannot succeed when backed by threats.
“Conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful,” he said in remarks aired on Iranian television.
Open-source tracking tools and confirmations from US officials indicate that the naval force includes the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has now arrived in the Middle East as part of the build-up.
Trump compared the deployment to previous US military actions abroad, warning that the current force is prepared to act quickly if needed.
He also referenced past US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that any future attack would be “far worse.”
The latest escalation comes as rights groups continue to report rising casualties linked to protests in Iran.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has confirmed nearly 6,000 deaths, including thousands of protesters, since unrest began late last month.
Another rights organisation has warned the final figure could be significantly higher, though the numbers have not been independently verified.
Iran has continued to insist its nuclear programme is peaceful and denies seeking nuclear weapons, even as pressure mounts from the US and its allies.
For now, both sides appear locked in a tense standoff with Washington pushing for negotiations and Tehran warning against any military action.
