President Trump says a US “armada” is sailing to the Gulf region to maintain pressure on Iran, while downplaying imminent military action.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump confirmed a US naval fleet is heading towards the Gulf to maintain pressure on Iran.
He made the remarks aboard Air Force One returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“We’re watching Iran,” Trump told reporters, adding, “You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case.”
The president described the movement as “an armada” and “a massive fleet.”
He stated, “maybe we won’t have to use it,” and emphasised, “I’d rather not see anything happen but we’re watching them very closely.”
This follows Trump pulling back from a threat to strike Iran last week over its crackdown on protests.
The White House had said Tehran halted planned executions of demonstrators.
US media reports indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group was ordered from the South China Sea to the Middle East.
Trump reiterated his threat of force stopped 837 hangings of protesters.
He also confirmed he remains open to talking with Iran.
Iranian authorities gave their first official protest toll on Wednesday, stating 3,117 people were killed.
Rights groups believe the actual number of dead could be far higher.
Trump has repeatedly left open the option of new military action against Iran.
This follows Washington backing and joining Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June.
