President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Tuesday, announcing that a massive U.S. military armada is heading to the Persian Gulf.
Trump urged the radical Islamic regime to negotiate with protest leaders who have taken to the streets in recent weeks – or they face destruction.
“We have a very large armada heading to the Persian Gulf,” Trump warned. “I think Iran should be very careful. They’re playing with fire, and they know it.”
Trump called on Iranian leaders to engage directly with demonstrators rather than suppress them.
“They should sit down with the protesters and work something out,” Trump said. “These are their people. These are Iranians who want a better life, who want freedom. The government should listen to them instead of cracking down on them.”
The deployment could include multiple carrier groups and their support vessels, according to defense officials.
Trump also said Iran’s nuclear weapons program must be shut down, and that the United States would not tolerate Iranian development of nuclear weapons.
“We will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “It’s not going to happen. They know that, and they should act accordingly.”
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told reporters Tuesday that the military deployment serves as a deterrent against Iran’s aggression and a signal of American resolve.
“This is about ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters and standing with the Iranian people who are demanding their basic rights,” Waltz said. “The regime in Tehran needs to understand that the United States is serious about both objectives.”
The protests inside Iran have intensified over the past few weeks following the death of a young woman in police custody. Demonstrations have spread to multiple cities, with protesters demanding political reforms and greater personal freedoms. Iranian security forces have arrested and executed thousands, according to human rights organizations.
The President framed his comments as support for human rights rather than regime change.
“I’m not calling for the government to be overthrown,” Trump said. “I’m calling for them to listen to their people. That’s what governments are supposed to do. If they do that, maybe we can all move forward and have a better relationship.”
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which leads one of the strike groups heading to the region, departed from Norfolk Naval Station last week. There are reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln could be deployed. Additional naval assets from the Fifth Fleet, which is headquartered in Bahrain, are reportedly joining them.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military is prepared for any contingency but said that the deployment is defensive in nature.
“We’re there to protect American interests, ensure freedom of navigation, and support our regional partners,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing. “We’re not looking for a fight, but we’re ready if one comes.”