Trump Weighs Second Carrier for Iran If Negotiations Fail
In remarks to media, the U.S. commander-in-chief confirmed active deliberations on reinforcing naval power projection while parallel negotiations continue. "We have an armada that is heading there, and another one might be going," Trump declared, underscoring Washington's dual-track strategy of diplomacy backed by force.
The president issued a stark ultimatum: "Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time," Trump said, adding that another aircraft carrier "might be going" to the region.
Pentagon sources informed media that the USS George Washington, currently positioned in Asian waters, and the USS George H.W. Bush on America's eastern seaboard represent the likeliest deployment options—though either vessel requires a minimum seven-day transit. Officials indicated the Ford carrier in Caribbean waters could also receive orders.
Media documented satellite imagery exposing expanded military hardware concentrations throughout the region.
Critically, American forces stationed at Qatar's Al-Udeid Air Base—the Pentagon's largest Middle Eastern installation—have loaded missiles onto mobile truck launchers amid heightened tensions since January, enabling rapid repositioning if required, the report confirmed.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and multiple guided-missile destroyers have already taken up positions in Middle Eastern theaters.
DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS REMAIN OPEN
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, touched down in Muscat on Tuesday for consultations with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, the principal mediator facilitating U.S.-Iran communications.
Albusaidi posted on X: "We discussed recent developments, especially the Iran-U.S. talks." He added: "Regional peace and security is our priority, and we urge restraint and wise compromise."
Larijani's visit appears centered on charting next steps following last week's inaugural indirect negotiation round in Muscat involving American representatives.
The Iranian official confirmed Tehran's willingness to pursue dialogue when conditions prove constructive, characterizing Iran's opening-round posture as favorable, media reported, citing Oman TV.
He indicated forthcoming phases could yield strategic de-escalation opportunities or minimal political recalibration contingent on conversation outcomes, it noted.
Washington and Tehran conducted last week's Oman-hosted negotiations, with both parties committing to sustained engagement.
On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry dismissed speculation suggesting indirect talks might relocate beyond Oman, reaffirming Muscat as the mutually designated location.
Projecting confidence in diplomatic momentum, Trump has characterized Iran as a nation that "wants to make a deal very badly," insisting any accord must address Tehran's nuclear ambitions alongside ballistic missile arsenals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington Wednesday. Trump dismissed concerns about Netanyahu's reaction to U.S.-Iran negotiations: "He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal."
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