US Fleet Heading to Iran, Trump Urges Tehran to Reach Deal

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump said a "big armada" was heading to Iran and expressed hope that Tehran would "come to the negotiating table" to negotiate with Washington.

"A large fleet is heading to Iran. This fleet is moving fast, with great strength, enthusiasm, and purpose," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, January 28.

He stressed that this fleet is larger than those ever sent to Venezuela and is ready to "quickly complete its mission with speed and force, if necessary."

"Hopefully Iran will soon 'come to the negotiating table' and negotiate a fair and balanced deal - no nuclear weapons - a good deal for all parties. Time is running out, this is really very important!" he said.

"As I have told Iran before, make a deal! They didn't do it, and 'Operation Midnight Hammer' happened, massive destruction in Iran. The next attack will be much worse! Don't let that happen again."

Tens of thousands of people have protested in Iranian cities over economic grievances, prompting Trump to warn of possible US intervention if the Iranian government continues to use lethal force against "peaceful" protesters.

Trump later softened his rhetoric after claiming, based on "credible sources," that the killing of protesters had stopped and Tehran had canceled plans for mass executions.

Iranian officials have warned any US attack would trigger a "swift and comprehensive" response.

Later, while speaking in the US state of Iowa, Trump said there was another "beautiful" fleet heading to Iran at the moment.

"So, we'll see. I hope they make a deal. They should have made a deal from the beginning. They're going to have a country," he told his supporters.

Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage in talks under pressure, while US officials have hinted at a conditional openness to diplomacy.

Thus, the prospects for short-term negotiations remain uncertain.