Trump Iran warning: US deploys second aircraft carrier to Middle East, citing nuclear talks and regional tensions after deadly crackdown in Tehran

US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, warning Tehran that it would face a “bad day” if a deal on its nuclear programme is not reached.

Also read: Trump Ends Aggressive ICE Operations in Minnesota

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford would move from the Caribbean to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and a fleet of 12 US Navy ships already in the region.

“In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it. It’ll be leaving very soon. If we need it we’ll have it ready, a very big force,” he added.

Trump expressed optimism that talks with Iran would be successful but warned, “If they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad.” The US fears Iran’s nuclear programme may be aimed at developing a bomb, a claim Tehran denies.

The announcement comes after deadly protests in Iran last month, where rights groups report that thousands were killed and tens of thousands arrested following security crackdowns.

The US-based Reza Pahlavi, son of the late shah, urged Iranians to join demonstrations abroad and voice dissent at home.

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi described reaching a deal on inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities as possible but “terribly difficult.” Talks were held last week in Oman, with no dates set for follow-up discussions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Trump on Wednesday, expressed scepticism that any agreement would address Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies, despite Trump signalling optimism about a “good deal.”

Meanwhile, the recent crackdown in Iran has left over 53,000 people arrested, with hundreds facing possible execution.

Three reformist politicians — Azar Mansouri, Javad Emam and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh — were recently released on bail.

Videos verified by AFP show continued anti-government protests as Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Also read: Trump confirms US-Nigeria Christmas air strikes on ISIS

The second carrier deployment underscores the intensifying US military posture in the Middle East amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional unrest.