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President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier to waters near Iran if Tehran refuses to cooperate in a new round of negotiations with the United States.
“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” the president told Axios, referencing U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
“Last time they didn’t believe I would do it. They overplayed their hand.”
“We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going,” he added.
The United States currently has about 10 warships in the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group.
Washington is seeking an agreement that would require Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions, address its ballistic missile program and reduce support for militant proxy groups. However, during indirect talks held on Friday in Oman, Iranian officials declined to expand discussions beyond the nuclear issue, according to reports.
President Trump described the nuclear program as a central element of any deal but said a comprehensive agreement must also address missile stockpiles.
The president said the United States “can make a great deal with Iran,” adding that Tehran “very much wants to make a deal.”
His comments come ahead of a scheduled White House meeting on Wednesday with Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader is expected to focus heavily on Iran during his discussions with Trump.
Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu told reporters he would outline Israel’s position on negotiations.
“I will present to the president our understanding of the principles of the negotiations (with Iran) – the essential principles that are important not only to Israel – but to everyone who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said.
At a State Department press briefing last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sounded more doubtful about the chances of the United States and Iran reaching an agreement.
“If the Iranians want to meet, we’re ready…I’m not sure you can reach a deal with these guys, but we’re going to try to find out…This is a president that always prefers a peaceful outcome to any conflict or any challenge,” said Rubio.