Trump: Considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East; Iran will not have nuclear weapons or missiles

President Trump of the United States stated in an interview with American media on February 10 that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to prepare for military action if negotiations with Iran fail.

Currently, the U.S. Navy’s Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in Middle Eastern waters. Trump said, “There may be another fleet heading there.” He also stated that Iran is “very eager to reach an agreement,” but if negotiations fail, the U.S. will take “bigger actions.” He emphasized that the U.S. and Iran could reach an agreement, but it must be a good one: no nuclear weapons, no missiles, and so on. He also mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is visiting the U.S. on the 11th, also wants to achieve a “good agreement.”

On January 26, a U.S. official who wished to remain anonymous said that the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has entered the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility in the Western Indian Ocean. If the White House orders an attack on Iran, in theory, this carrier strike group could launch military action within “a day or two.”

Trump: Iran Will Not Possess Nuclear Weapons or Missiles

On the 10th, U.S. President Trump stated, “Iran will not have nuclear weapons or missiles.”

According to reports, Trump said that if the U.S. and Iran cannot reach an agreement soon, he is prepared to take military action as he did during the Iran conflict in June last year. Trump said Iran “very much wants to reach an agreement,” but if negotiations fail, the U.S. will take “very strong action.”

Last week, the U.S. and Iran resumed negotiations in Oman, the first dialogue since the June conflict last year. Trump said Iran adopted a more moderate attitude this time.

Trump expects that his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the 11th will mainly focus on Iran. He said the timing adjustment for the meeting is mainly due to scheduling, not other reasons. Trump also said he does not believe Netanyahu feels pressured by the U.S.-Iran negotiations because Netanyahu also wants a “good deal.”

Trump anticipates that the second round of U.S.-Iran talks will be held next week. He emphasized that any agreement with Iran must include not only nuclear issues but also address Iran’s ballistic missile program. He added, “We can reach a very good deal with Iran.”

U.S. Considering Seizing Iranian Oil Tankers to Apply Pressure

On February 10, reports indicated that U.S. officials are considering seizing oil tankers transporting Iranian oil to pressure Iran, but they are also concerned that such actions could provoke Iranian retaliation.

According to U.S. officials, Trump administration officials have discussed whether to seize oil tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil. Over 20 ships transporting Iranian oil have already been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury this year, making them potential targets for seizure.

Additionally, some U.S. officials said that these pressure tactics face many obstacles. If the U.S. acts to prevent sanctioned ships from loading oil in Iran, it could cut off Iran’s main source of revenue. Iran is likely to retaliate by seizing oil tankers transporting oil for U.S. regional allies or even laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Any such move by Iran could significantly drive up oil prices and pose a political storm for the White House.

Israeli Prime Minister and U.S. Special Envoy Discuss Iran Situation

On the evening of the 10th, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met at the White House with U.S. Special Envoy Wittekov and his son-in-law Kushner to discuss the Iran situation.

Wittekov and Kushner briefed Netanyahu on the indirect negotiations held in Muscat, Oman, on the 6th between the U.S. and Iran.

Earlier on the 10th, Netanyahu arrived in the U.S. and plans to meet with Trump on the 11th. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated that during this visit, the most important issue to discuss with Trump is “negotiations with Iran.”

On the evening of the 10th, Israeli sources reported that during his visit to the U.S., Netanyahu will provide Trump with new intelligence on Iran’s military capabilities, especially regarding Iran’s reactivation of ballistic missile capabilities.

Israel claims that if no intervention occurs, Iran could have up to 2,000 ballistic missiles within weeks or months.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagheri on the 10th said that the so-called “crisis” created by Israel over Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is fabricated. He stated that Israel has repeatedly claimed over the past 40 years that Iran seeks nuclear weapons, attempting to create “imaginary fears” in the international community. He emphasized that the “Iranian nuclear bomb” does not exist.

Iranian Foreign Ministry: Any Attack on Iran Will Be Met with Devastating Retaliation

On the 10th, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagheri stated at a press conference that if Iran suffers any military invasion, it will respond with devastating retaliation. Bagheri stressed that experience shows that any Israeli action is coordinated with the U.S. Therefore, such “evil” acts by Israel will be met with a “regrettable” response from Iran.

Regarding the visit of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary and Supreme Leader’s Advisor Larijani to Oman, Bagheri said the purpose was to strengthen regional cooperation. Iran’s principled policy is to enhance relations with neighboring countries and pursue good neighborly relations.

On the negotiations held in Muscat, Oman, on the 6th, Bagheri said both sides reached a consensus to continue diplomatic efforts, which is very important. However, if active discussions do not translate into concrete actions by the other government, these talks will be meaningless. Regarding new U.S. sanctions after negotiations, Bagheri said this shows the U.S. is obsessed with pressuring other countries through economic means, but experience shows these pressures and threats are ineffective against Iran.

Bagheri also stated that there are no plans to change the format or schedule of the next U.S.-Iran negotiations. The talks will continue in their current form, provided that the time and place are agreed upon, and if necessary, new personnel may be added to Iran’s negotiating team.

On February 11, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said in an interview that Iran has the capacity to reach a new nuclear agreement that is better than the JCPOA during the Obama administration.

He emphasized that this goal is achievable, and Iran can reach a better agreement and provide a reliable guarantee of not developing nuclear weapons. He pointed out that nuclear weapons are the main concern of relevant parties, and Iran can provide assurances on this matter.

Additionally, Araghchi stated in the interview that Iran still does not fully trust the U.S. He said that last June’s attack during negotiations was very bad, and preventing such incidents from recurring mainly depends on the U.S. side.

(Source: Daily Economic News)