WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Washington would take “very tough” action if a deal is not finalised with Iran, as both sides prepare to resume negotiations amid reports of a possible increase in US military presence in the Middle East.
Speaking to Israeli media outlets, Trump said the United States faced two options. “Either we reach a deal or we’ll have to do something very tough,” he was quoted as saying.
The warning comes after Oman facilitated indirect talks between US and Iranian officials last week. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions allowed Tehran to assess Washington’s seriousness and indicated sufficient understanding to continue the diplomatic process.
Reports also suggest that Trump is considering deploying a second US aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The United States has already positioned one carrier in the region. US officials told international media that the USS George Washington and the USS George HW Bush are among the possible options, although both are at least a week away from deployment. The Pentagon could also consider dispatching the USS Ford.
A recent Reuters analysis of satellite imagery indicated an increased presence of US military assets across the region. At Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base — the largest US military installation in the Middle East — missiles were reportedly placed in mobile launchers amid rising tensions.
Oman’s state news agency reported that Iranian official Ali Larijani met Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to discuss efforts aimed at achieving a “balanced and just” agreement between Tehran and Washington, stressing the need for dialogue to promote regional stability.
The United States is seeking to broaden the scope of negotiations beyond Iran’s nuclear programme to include restrictions on its ballistic missile arsenal. Tehran, however, has termed its missile capabilities non-negotiable, stating that its stockpile has been rebuilt following last year’s conflict involving Israel and the US.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that any agreement must include the lifting of financial sanctions and recognition of Iran’s nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment. Washington has demanded that Iran relinquish its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity, which is close to weapons-grade level.
US Vice President JD Vance said President Trump would ultimately determine the “red lines” in the negotiations.
The date and venue for the next round of US-Iran talks have yet to be announced.