US deploys aircraft carrier and warships near Iran, Trump confirms move

Washington: A US Navy fleet is heading towards the Gulf, raising fears of US military action against Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed the fleet's movement towards the Gulf. Last week, Trump downplayed the possibility of military action against Iran after the White House said Tehran had halted plans to execute protesters. However, the president confirmed the military preparations on Thursday. ​​Returning from the World Economic Forum, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, "We're watching Iran."

Trump says: We are watching Iran

President Trump said, "You know, we have a lot of ships going in that direction. We have a very large force going towards Iran." He added, "I don't want anything to happen, but we're watching them very closely." The US president described it as a massive fleet but also said, "We may not have to use it."

Fleet includes USS Abraham Lincoln

During this time, Trump reiterated that his threat of using force against Tehran had prevented the execution of 837 protesters. He also said he was ready to talk to Iran. Earlier on Thursday (local time), two US officials said that a US aircraft carrier strike group would arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. According to US media reports, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, several destroyers, and other US warships began their journey from the Asia-Pacific region last week.

Tensions between the US and Iran

This movement comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following a crackdown on protests in Iran. A US official said that additional air defense systems for the Middle East are also being considered. Trump had repeatedly threatened Iran over the killing of protesters, including suggesting military action. However, Trump's rhetoric regarding Iran has softened since the protests subsided last week.

Iran released its first official death toll from the protests on Wednesday, stating that 3,117 people had been killed. Human rights groups say the actual number is likely much higher. Internet access has been restricted in Iran since January 8, making it difficult to obtain accurate information.