Massive armada is heading your way — Trump warns Iran of potential US military action

United States President, Donald Trump, has warned Iran that “a massive armada” is heading towards the country, urging Tehran to negotiate amid rising threats of possible US military action.

Trump issued the warning in a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, saying the armada was already on the move but offering no specific details about its mission.

“It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose,” Trump wrote.

He added that Iran should return to negotiations, stressing that any agreement must exclude nuclear weapons and benefit all sides.

“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘come to the table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – no nuclear weapons – one that is good for all parties,” he said.

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Washington has already deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several guided missile destroyers to the region, assets capable of launching attacks from the sea.

However, it remains unclear whether Trump will authorise the use of force. He has previously outlined two red lines: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the potential mass execution of detainees.

Iran has been gripped by widespread protests since 28 December, triggered by the collapse of the rial and rising living costs. 

Non-profits and other sources inside the country estimate that between 6,000 and 30,000 people were killed during a violent crackdown by authorities.

On Wednesday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 6,221 people had been killed, including 5,858 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 100 children, and 49 civilians who were not demonstrating. The group said more than 42,300 people had also been arrested.

Independent verification of the death toll remains difficult, with Iran’s state-run media serving as the main source of information for many after authorities cut off internet access three weeks ago.

Iran’s government has put the death toll at 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security personnel, while describing the remaining deaths as those of “terrorists”.

Iranian authorities have previously been accused of underreporting fatalities during periods of unrest. Although protests have been halted for weeks following the crackdown, information is gradually emerging through Starlink satellite connections used by activists and media organisations.

The reported death toll is believed to be the highest from any protest movement in Iran in decades, drawing comparisons with the turmoil of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Many Iranians remain angry and fearful, as videos of protesters being shot circulate and concerns grow over the country’s worsening economic situation.

“I feel that my generation failed to give a better lesson to younger ones,” said Mohammad Heidari, a 59-year-old high school teacher in Tehran.

“The result of decades of teaching by my colleagues and me led to death of thousands, and maybe more injured and prisoners.”

(Euronews)