Donald Trump has maintained strict secrecy around his administration’s potential military response to Iran while confirming that major naval deployments are already underway. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump refused to confirm whether final decisions about military action had been made. “I certainly can’t tell you that,” the president said, though he acknowledged that the United States has sent “really big powerful ships heading in that direction,” signaling serious preparations for possible conflict.
At the core of the confrontation is Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western intelligence agencies believe is designed to produce nuclear weapons despite Iranian denials. Trump indicated that Washington has not abandoned diplomatic efforts, expressing hope for a negotiated settlement. “I hope to negotiate something that’s acceptable,” the president said, emphasizing that the best possible outcome would be “a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons.”
The president’s nuclear-focused approach represents a strategic shift from his earlier threats connected to Iran’s domestic repression. Trump had warned of military intervention if Iranian forces killed anti-government protesters during demonstrations that erupted in late December. Those protests peaked on January 8 and 9, and Iranian authorities have since admitted that over 3,000 people died during the unrest. However, Tehran claims most casualties were security personnel or bystanders killed by violent rioters, a characterization disputed by international human rights organizations.
Trump also addressed comments attributed to Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister about the consequences of US hesitation. The Saudi official reportedly warned that backing away from military strikes would embolden Iran, but Trump offered a nuanced response. “Some people think that and some people don’t,” he said, suggesting that strategic assessments within his administration and among allies vary considerably.
Iran has responded to American threats with its own show of defiance. Throughout Tehran, billboards and banners have been erected to bolster government support and demonstrate resolve against US pressure. One particularly provocative poster depicts an American aircraft carrier being destroyed, sending an unmistakable message about Iran’s willingness to fight back. Despite this hostile imagery, Trump revealed that diplomatic channels remain active. “They’re talking to us, seriously talking to us,” he said of Iranian officials, while expressing uncertainty about whether Tehran will ultimately agree to abandon its nuclear ambitions. The ambiguity surrounding both sides’ true intentions means that the crisis could end in either peaceful resolution or military confrontation.