Trump Considers Second Carrier Deployment Amid Stalled Iran Talks as Tehran Warns of Forceful Response
The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group remains in the Arabian Sea, with approximately 35,000 U.S. troops in the region centered at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
MIDDLE EAST — U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview on February 10 that he is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to prepare for military action if negotiations with Iran fail.
This follows the resumption of talks in Oman after a 12-day conflict in June 2025, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles.
Iranian officials have responded forcefully, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi asserting on January 28 that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to respond immediately to any aggression.
Trump: Tough Measures If Talks Collapse
Trump emphasized Iran’s desire for a deal but warned of tough measures if talks collapse, referencing prior U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities.
The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group remains in the Arabian Sea, with approximately 35,000 U.S. troops in the region centered at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Iranian leadership has condemned U.S. threats as interference, with President Masoud Pezeshkian signaling conditional openness to talks on February 3, provided they occur without coercion and on fair terms.
Khamenei: Any US Attack Will Spark Regional War. Houthi-Controlled Parliament In Yemen Declares Support For Iran
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned on February 2 that any U.S. attack would spark a regional war. Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari, deputy commander of Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, stated on February 2 that enemies’ miscalculations would meet regretful responses.
Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, affirmed on February 3 Iran’s capability to confront threats from the U.S. or Israel. The Houthi-controlled parliament in Sanaa, Yemen, declared full support for Iran on February 2, viewing U.S. threats as sovereignty violations endangering stability.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government in Aden opposes the Houthis and their Iranian alignment, labeling the Sanaa body as illegitimate.
