President Donald Trump is weighing the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, signaling that the United States is prepared to apply maximum leverage if renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran fail.
In an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump said the additional military posture is being considered as Washington and Tehran prepare for a second round of talks next week in Oman.
“Either we will make a deal, or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” the president told Axios reporter Barak Ravid.
Trump noted that U.S. forces are already moving into position.
“We have an armada that is heading there, and another one might be going,” he added, clarifying that he’s “thinking” about deploying another carrier strike group.
A U.S. official confirmed to Axios that internal discussions regarding the additional deployment have taken place. The USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group — equipped with fighter jets, Tomahawk missiles, and multiple support ships — is already operating in the region.
Despite the buildup, President Trump expressed confidence that diplomacy could still succeed, arguing that Iran is taking negotiations more seriously because of America’s renewed strength.
“Iran wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump said, emphasizing that the regime is responding to the credible threat of U.S. force.
“Last time they didn’t believe I would do it,” Trump explained, referring to June’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. “They overplayed their hand.”
According to Trump, this round of talks is “very different” from past efforts.
Axios also reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Netanyahu is expected to share Israel’s position on the negotiations and the broader threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. (RELATED: Netanyahu Rushes Back To Washington After Trump’s ‘Positive’ Talks With Iran)
He will “present to the president [Israel’s] outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations,” Axios noted.
As talks resume, President Trump is once again making clear that peace is possible — but only through strength.
