U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to engage in direct talks with Iran as part of intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve longstanding disputes between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made the remarks to reporters on Thursday evening, emphasizing his preference for diplomacy even as the United States reinforces its military presence in the region.
“I intend to hold talks with Iran at a time when large and powerful ships are heading there,” Trump said, adding, “I hope we don’t have to use them.”
His comments come amid growing tension over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues, and as international mediators push for dialogue to avert further escalation, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Trump reiterated his call on Tehran to reach a “fair and just” agreement on its nuclear activities, warning that failure to do so could lead to an attack “much worse” than the U.S. operation known as Midnight Hammer, which struck multiple Iranian sites last June.
Discussing the military buildup, the president said the U.S. has deployed a “huge naval fleet” toward Iran that moves “with speed, strength, enthusiasm and determination” and described it as larger than the force previously sent to Venezuela.
“As with Venezuela, the fleet is ready, prepared and capable of accomplishing its mission quickly and forcefully if necessary,” he said.
The deployment underscores heightened U.S. vigilance as diplomatic channels and regional partners seek to bridge differences between the two adversaries and reduce the risk of conflict.
