"Of course, he would say that," President Donald Trump stated on 1/2 when asked to comment on Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei's warning that any US attack on the Middle Eastern nation would lead to regional war.
He also emphasized that the world's largest, most powerful warships are present in the region, only "a few days' travel" from Iran.
"Hopefully, we will make a deal, and if not, we'll find out whether his words are true or not," the US president said.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 27/1. *Photo: AFP* |
The US president previously expressed confidence that Iran would agree to a deal on its nuclear and missile programs, rather than face US military action. Iranian officials also stated their readiness for nuclear talks, provided their missile and defensive capabilities are not on the agenda.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated since the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in 6/2025.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly criticized Iran's response to protests and often mentioned the possibility of supporting protesters, including the scenario of ordering strikes on Iran. The US president later abandoned this idea due to warnings from allies, but still ordered the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on 1/2 expressed concern about "miscalculations," but believed Trump was "wise enough to make the right decision." Araghchi emphasized that Tehran had lost trust in Washington as a negotiating partner, stating that some regional countries are mediating to rebuild trust.
"I see a possibility for another round of dialogue if the US negotiating team follows what President Trump has said, which is to reach a fair and equal agreement to ensure no nuclear weapons," he said.
The US Navy currently maintains at least 10 warships in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three escort warships, along with three destroyers and three littoral combat ships. The US Air Force also deployed a range of assets, including RC-135V/W signal reconnaissance aircraft and Patriot air defense systems, to bases stationed in the region.
Iran declared that if attacked, it would retaliate by striking US bases and warships, as well as those of its allies, particularly Israel.
Trump on 31/1 said the US was in dialogue with Iran, but did not elaborate. Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that "contrary to the inflated risks of conflict, agreements on a negotiating framework are progressing."
By Huyen Le (AFP, NBC News)
