President Donald Trump has declined to disclose the specifics of potential military action against Iran, even as he confirms substantial US forces are moving toward the region. When reporters asked Saturday whether he had reached a final decision on Iran, Trump maintained strict secrecy. “I certainly can’t tell you that,” he said, before adding that America has deployed “really big powerful ships heading in that direction,” leaving both allies and adversaries guessing about Washington’s intentions.
The crisis centers on Iran’s nuclear programme, which the United States and its Western partners believe is designed to produce atomic weapons. Trump emphasized that military deployments 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 outcome would be “a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory with no nuclear weapons.”
Trump’s current strategy marks a departure from his recent statements about Iran’s domestic situation. The president had previously threatened military consequences if Iranian authorities killed protesters during anti-government 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 were security forces or bystanders killed by violent demonstrators.
The president also responded to reported comments from Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister regarding US military strategy. 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, indicating that his administration is carefully considering multiple perspectives.
In Tehran, authorities have erected billboards and banners throughout the capital to rally public support and project defiance. Among the most striking displays is a massive poster depicting an American aircraft carrier being destroyed, a graphic illustration of how Iran might respond to US military action. Despite this antagonistic messaging, Trump indicated that diplomatic communications continue, with Iran “seriously talking to us” about potential agreements. The president expressed uncertainty about whether these discussions will ultimately succeed, noting that while Iran appears engaged in serious negotiations, it remains unclear whether Tehran will actually agree to abandon its nuclear programme. This uncertainty ensures that both diplomatic breakthrough and military confrontation remain possible outcomes in the coming weeks.