“A massive armada is heading to Iran,” Trump wrote, saying the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, was ready “with speed and violence, if necessary.”
By World Israel News Staff
President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Iran, saying a powerful American naval force was mobilizing with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose” and urging Tehran to negotiate or face far more severe consequences than in the past.
“A massive armada is heading to Iran,” Trump wrote, saying the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, was ready “with speed and violence, if necessary.” He called on Iran to “quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties.”
Trump cautioned that “time is running out, it is truly of the essence,” and warned of a future attack he described as “far worse” if Tehran failed to act. Referring to a past military plan he called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” Trump said his previous threats of “major destruction” should be taken seriously and urged Iran not to make the same mistake again.
Responding to Trump’s comments, Iran struck an assertive tone of its own.
In a message shared by the Iran Mission to the United Nations in New York, Tehran recalled America’s costly involvements in Afghanistan and Iraq. “Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives,” the statement said.
While the Iranian mission asserted that “Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests,” it warned plainly: “But if pushed, it will defend itself and respond like never before!”
An Iranian source speaking to Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen elaborated on Tehran’s stance, framing negotiations as secondary to military preparedness in light of U.S. force buildup.
“In the shadow of the enemy’s military buildup, negotiations are not at the top of our priorities — but rather decisive defense,” the source said, adding that Iran was increasing its defensive readiness “to the highest level.”
Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives.
Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE! pic.twitter.com/k3fVEv1rus
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) January 28, 2026
At the same time, the source left room for diplomatic engagement under specific conditions. “If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will agree to that,” the Iranian official said, rejecting the idea that Tehran could be “forced” into talks by concentrated U.S. military deployments.
The comments also underscored Tehran’s willingness to strike back if attacked, but with limits. “We are taking the option of war seriously and we cannot afford to engage with U.S. messaging,” the source said. “We will strike the base and the point from which air attacks are launched against us, but we will not harm other countries, as we do not consider them hostile.”
Iran’s response concluded with a firm deterrent message, asserting that its defense plans were designed “so they will not even think again about carrying out limited attacks,” a comment reflecting Tehran’s continued emphasis on deterrence amid rising tensions.
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