White House Warns Iran To Make Deal As US Strengthens Military Presence In Region

US urges Iran to negotiate nuclear deal while President Trump deploys additional warships and military forces near Persian Gulf.

The White House has warned that Iran would be “very wise” to reach an agreement with the United States as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump still hopes for a diplomatic resolution, even as the US prepares for potential military action.

Leavitt confirmed that US forces are being reinforced in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R Ford, along with fighter jets and guided missile destroyers. The White House emphasized that the military presence is intended to deter aggression and protect international waterways.

Reports indicate that Trump has discussed potential strike options with advisers, with officials saying that US forces could be ready to act within days. However, no final decision has been made, and diplomacy continues in parallel, with recent talks in Geneva showing limited progress on key issues.

Iran has responded with its own show of force. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted an AI-generated image depicting the USS Gerald R Ford at the bottom of the sea, warning that Washington cannot dictate outcomes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also conducted maritime drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil export route.

Leavitt stressed that while the US prefers a negotiated solution, Iran must act quickly to avoid escalation. She warned that Tehran remains far from agreement on critical points and that a failure to negotiate could leave the military option on the table.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and deterrence, as both nations maintain a strong posture while seeking leverage in ongoing negotiations over nuclear development.