US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a “massive fleet” of American naval forces was being sent toward the Gulf, citing close monitoring of Iran, even as he emphasized that he preferred diplomacy over immediate military action. Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he also reiterated that Tehran appeared open to talks.
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The announcement comes in the aftermath of Washington’s involvement in Israel’s 12-day war last June, aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. While Trump repeatedly left the door open for potential new military operations, both the United States and Iran have signaled a willingness to pursue dialogue in recent days.
Trump says US ‘armada’ heading toward Iran
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its carrier strike group are expected to arrive in the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf as early as tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/b7lAdjg2tF— Church & State (@ericschurchnst8) January 23, 2026
“I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” Trump said, referring to Iran. He also stressed that US attacks last year on Iranian uranium enrichment sites were intended to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon—a claim Iran denies.
Iran’s leadership, however, maintained a firm stance. Commander of the Revolutionary Guards General Mohammad Pakpour warned the US and Israel to avoid miscalculations, noting the IRGC “has its finger on the trigger” and is prepared to respond decisively. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of inflaming domestic protests in Iran, calling it “cowardly revenge” for their losses in the June conflict.
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General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, head of Iran’s joint command headquarters, added that all US interests, bases, and centers of influence would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington initiated any military strikes. The escalating rhetoric underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and military posturing in the Gulf, with both sides signaling readiness while hinting at possible negotiations.