Trump signals ‘bad day’ for Iran as second US carrier deployed to Middle East
WASHINGTON, DC: Trump warned on Friday, February 13, that Iran would face consequences if negotiations over its nuclear program collapse, saying it would be a “bad day” for Tehran. His remarks come as the United States moves to bolster its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group.
The USS Gerald R Ford has been redirected from the Caribbean to the region, where the USS Abraham Lincoln is already operating. The moves coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts and elevated tensions across the region.
Trump warns Iran as talks continue
Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations while cautioning that failure to reach an agreement would carry consequences. “I think they'll be successful. And if they're not, it's going to be a bad day for Iran,” he said.
He added that a deal should be reached soon. “I guess over the next month, something like that,” Trump said when asked about the timeline. “It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly.”
The United States and Iran conducted indirect talks in Oman last week. Although Trump had indicated another round of negotiations might be imminent, no new talks materialized after a senior Iranian security official visited Oman and Qatar and exchanged messages with US intermediaries. Earlier in the week, Trump had also framed potential consequences in stronger terms, warning that failure to reach a deal would be “very traumatic.”
The president held lengthy talks on Wednesday, February 11, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he said he urged continued negotiations with Tehran. Netanyahu called for an agreement that addresses Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups.
Meanwhile, Gulf Arab nations have warned that any military escalation could spark a broader regional conflict, particularly as the Middle East continues to contend with the fallout from the conflict in Gaza.
USS Gerald R Ford deployment expands US presence
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, the Pentagon has ordered the USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group to leave the Caribbean and redeploy to the Middle East, according to two US officials familiar with the decision. The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group already operating in the region.
The USS Gerald R Ford took part in last month’s operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Its originally planned seven-month deployment is now expected to extend into April or May, officials said. The crew was informed of the change on Thursday, February 12.
Trump also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying Russian officials are interested in reaching an agreement and urging Volodymyr Zelenskyy to act swiftly. “Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelenskyy is going to have to get moving, otherwise he's going to miss a great opportunity. He has to move,” Trump said. US, Ukrainian and Russian officials are expected to meet again in Geneva next week.
