WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hoped to avoid military action against Iran, despite escalating tensions and warnings from Tehran that it would strike American bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack.
Read More: Trump weighs strikes to boost Iran protests
Trump said he was in contact with Iranian officials and left open the possibility of talks, even after earlier warning that “time is running out” for Tehran as the United States deploys a large naval fleet to the region. When asked whether he would engage in negotiations, Trump told reporters: “I have had and I am planning on it.”
Speaking at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, Trump said the United States had a military force prepared but hoped it would not be used. “We have a group headed out to a place called Iran, and hopefully we won’t have to use it,” he said.
US President Donald Trump says he hopes to avoid military action against Iran, saying he plans to have further talks with Tehran on a possible nuclear deal, while speaking to reporters at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania. pic.twitter.com/2RBboo2pqk
— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) January 30, 2026
🇺🇸💬🇮🇷 “No nuclear. Stop killing protesters.” – Trump’s message to Iran. pic.twitter.com/5bLotxmO2z
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 30, 2026
The remarks came amid mounting international concern over the risk of conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for renewed nuclear negotiations to “avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region.”
Iranian officials, however, issued stark warnings. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran’s response to any US military action would be immediate and decisive, warning that American aircraft carriers and bases in the Gulf region were within range of Iran’s missiles.
“If such a miscalculation is made, it will not unfold the way Trump imagines,” Akraminia said, rejecting the idea of a limited or short-lived strike. Regional officials have also voiced alarm. A Gulf official told AFP that fears of a US attack were widespread, warning that conflict would destabilise the region and drive oil and gas prices sharply higher.
Read More: Trump warns Iran over nuclear deal deadline
Meanwhile, the European Union increased pressure on Tehran by designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation over its crackdown on recent protests. Iran condemned the move as politically motivated and warned of consequences.
In Tehran, residents expressed anxiety and resignation, with many fearing war while hoping for change amid ongoing economic hardship.