WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump said on Wednesday in Washington that a United States naval “armada” was heading toward the Gulf as the US government watched Iran closely while both countries publicly signaled interest in renewed talks and reduced expectations of immediate military action.
Trump said the United States had ordered the movement of significant naval forces toward the Gulf and he stated that US officials monitored Iranian activity closely in the region.
He said the deployment followed recent tensions with Iran, including concerns in Washington about Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Trump said he still kept the option of new military action against Iran on the table despite recent diplomatic signals from both sides.
He said the United States had supported and joined Israel’s 12-day war in June that aimed to degrade Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
US officials said that conflict sought to weaken infrastructure and facilities that Western intelligence agencies linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile development.
Diplomats said the prospect of immediate American military action appeared to recede in recent days as US and Iranian officials each emphasized the need to give diplomacy a chance.
Trump said Iran appeared interested in talks and he said his administration remained open to negotiations under conditions that he did not specify publicly.
Senior US officials said Washington continued to coordinate closely with regional allies, including Israel and Gulf states, about Iran’s military and nuclear activities.
Regional security analysts said the movement of US naval forces to the Gulf signaled an effort to deter Iran while diplomatic efforts continued.
Trump made the remarks as he returned from the World Economic Forum, where global leaders discussed security, energy markets and regional stability in the Middle East.
US defense officials said the Pentagon adjusted its force posture in the Gulf periodically in response to intelligence assessments and regional threats.
Officials said the current deployment aimed to reassure allies, protect maritime routes and maintain readiness for potential contingencies involving Iran.
White House officials said Trump would continue to receive regular updates from the Pentagon and intelligence agencies on Iranian activities and regional military movements.
Officials said the administration would publicly announce any major changes to US military posture in the Gulf or any decisions related to negotiations with Iran.