The US president has repeated his threats against Tehran, cautioning that “a large number of ships” are making their way to the region
US President Donald Trump has stated that Washington is closely “monitoring” the situation in Iran, seemingly reiterating his threats of using military force against the Islamic Republic regarding its management of the violent upheaval.
Iran has recently been affected by large – scale protests due to economic difficulties and the devaluation of the national currency. The protests became political and violent, and Tehran attributes the turmoil to the interference of the US and Israel, as well as the infiltration of “terrorist” elements.
Based on the latest official data, more than 3,000 people have died in the violence, including nearly 700 “terrorists.” Tehran has repeatedly claimed that organized groups of militants have received instructions, weapons, and other equipment from overseas and have been paid for carrying out violent acts against government officials and public property.
The US president has repeatedly threatened Iran with potential military action, telling protesters that “help is coming.” He seemed to soften his tone last weekend, saying that he had “persuaded” himself not to attack Iran.
However, on Friday, the US president once again warned Tehran that he is closely “monitoring” the situation in the country but “would prefer nothing bad to happen” there.
“We have a huge fleet moving in that direction… and perhaps we won’t have to use it… we have many ships going in that direction, just as a precaution,” Trump told reporters while on Air Force One.
Although the Pentagon has not verified Trump’s statements about the fleet movements, multiple media reports have suggested that the aircraft – carrier group led by USS Abraham Lincoln has been dispatched from the South China Sea to the Middle East. The group and associated ships are currently in the Indian Ocean.
In addition, multiple aviation monitoring sources have reported the movement of additional warplanes and support aircraft, including air tankers, to US bases in the region. Some experts have interpreted such redeployments as signs of an impending military operation against Tehran.