2 hours ago
US officials said the USS George Washington and the USS George HW Bush were among possible options, although both remain at least a week away. The Pentagon could also consider deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford from the Caribbean.
The US President said he was considering sending another aircraft carrier to the region. ( File Photo: ITG)
UPDATED: Feb 11, 2026 03:08 IST
Amid backchannel diplomacy with Tehran, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened that he may send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, even as Washington moves towards another round of negotiations to prevent conflict.
Trump’s remarks came days after Oman hosted indirect talks between US and Iranian officials, which both sides described as cautious but constructive. The discussions followed heightened military activity in the region, after the United States deployed the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln earlier this year following Trump's warning of military action during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.
The US President told Axios that he was considering sending another aircraft carrier to the region. "Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time," Trump told Axios.
Speaking in interviews with Israeli media, Trump repeated that Washington was prepared to act if diplomacy failed.
"Either we reach a deal or we’ll have to do something very tough," Israel’s Channel 12 quoted him as saying.
According to reports, US officials said the USS George Washington and the USS George HW Bush were among possible options, although both remain at least a week away. The Pentagon could also consider deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford from the Caribbean.
The potential move has raised concerns that military pressure could overshadow diplomatic efforts, even as both sides publicly express interest in continuing talks.
IRAN SAYS TALKS SHOW ‘CONSENSUS’
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said last week’s Oman talks had helped clarify Washington’s position.
"After the talks, we felt there was understanding and consensus to continue the diplomatic process," Baghaei said.
He added that a visit to Oman by Ali Larijani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been planned in advance. Larijani is also expected to travel to Qatar, another key regional mediator.
Oman’s state news agency said Larijani and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussed ways to reach a "balanced and just" agreement and stressed the need for dialogue.
MILITARY BUILD-UP SEEN ACROSS REGION
A Reuters analysis of satellite images has shown a recent build-up of US military equipment in the Middle East. At Qatar’s al-Udeid air base, the region’s largest US facility, missiles have reportedly been placed on mobile launchers to allow faster deployment.
Oil prices eased slightly on Tuesday, with traders weighing the risks of confrontation against hopes for renewed diplomacy.
Trump’s comments come against the backdrop of last year’s 12-day bombing campaign by Israel and the US on Iranian targets, and Washington’s previous threats of intervention during protests in Iran.
DISPUTE OVER MISSILES AND NUCLEAR PROGRAMME
One of the key obstacles in the talks remains Iran’s missile programme. The US wants negotiations to go beyond nuclear issues, while Tehran insists its missile stockpile is non-negotiable.
Baghaei said the US "must act independently of foreign pressures, especially Israeli pressures that ignore the interests of the region and even the US".
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will continue to demand the lifting of financial sanctions and recognition of its right to nuclear enrichment.
Washington, however, wants Iran to relinquish uranium enriched up to 60 per cent, close to weapons-grade levels.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Feb 11, 2026
Tune In
