President Donald Trump has delivered a cryptic warning about potential military operations against Iran while refusing to provide any details of his plans. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump sidestepped questions about whether he had made final decisions regarding Iran. “I certainly can’t tell you that,” he responded, before revealing that the United States has deployed “really big powerful ships heading in that direction,” leaving both allies and adversaries uncertain about Washington’s intentions.
At the center of the crisis is Iran’s nuclear programme, which the United States and its Western partners believe is designed to produce nuclear weapons. Trump emphasized that military preparations do not preclude diplomatic solutions, expressing hope that negotiations could still prevent conflict. “I hope to negotiate something that’s acceptable,” the president stated, making clear that his ideal scenario would be “a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons.”
Trump’s current strategy marks a shift from his previous statements about Iran’s internal politics. The president had threatened military intervention if Iranian authorities killed anti-government protesters during demonstrations that began in late December and peaked in early January. Iranian officials have since acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the protests, though they claim most victims were security forces or bystanders killed by violent demonstrators.
The president also weighed in on reported comments from Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister regarding the consequences of US military hesitation. The Saudi official allegedly argued that backing away from strikes against Iran would strengthen Tehran’s hand, but Trump acknowledged that strategic opinions vary. “Some people think that and some people don’t,” he said, suggesting that his administration is carefully considering multiple perspectives before taking action.
Meanwhile, Tehran has launched its own messaging campaign in response to American threats. The Iranian capital has been covered with billboards and banners designed to rally public support and project defiance. Among the most striking displays is a massive poster depicting an American aircraft carrier being destroyed, illustrating how Iran might respond to US military action. Despite this antagonistic imagery, Trump indicated that diplomatic communications continue. “They’re talking to us, seriously talking to us,” he said of Iranian officials, while expressing uncertainty about whether these talks will ultimately succeed. The president’s skepticism about Iran’s willingness to abandon its nuclear programme means that both peaceful resolution and military confrontation remain possible outcomes in the coming weeks.