Trump says Iran wants to ‘make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

Trump says Iran wants to ‘make a deal’ as US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

• Trump claims Iran wants to negotiate as US boosts military presence near Iran
• USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group deployed for regional security and stability
• Iran-backed militias warn of wider conflict if Iran is attacked

Did our AI summary help?

US President Donald Trump has said Iran is keen to strike a deal with Washington, even as the United States stepped up its military presence in the Middle East with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying warships.

“They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk,” Trump told Axios, adding, “We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela.”

The US military said the carrier strike group has been deployed to “promote regional security and stability”, with Trump earlier noting the move was made “just in case” he decides to take action against Tehran. Iranian officials confirmed the arrival of the US naval force but downplayed its significance, calling the buildup exaggerated.

Tensions remain high amid Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Human rights groups claim more than 6,000 people have been killed, while Iranian authorities have acknowledged over 3,000 deaths. Trump has repeatedly warned Iran against harming protesters, saying earlier that “help is on the way”.

The US naval deployment has triggered sharp reactions across the region. Iran-backed militias, including Yemen’s Houthis and Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah, warned of wider conflict if Iran is attacked. Iran’s Defence Ministry cautioned that any strike by Israel or the US would be met with a “more painful and more decisive” response.

Meanwhile, the UAE said its airspace and territory would not be used for hostile military actions against Iran, despite hosting US forces. Washington has signalled it remains open to talks, with a senior US official saying the US is “open for business” if Tehran reaches out.

The standoff comes against the backdrop of Trump’s earlier decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal during his first term and recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities amid heightened regional instability.