Trump Issues Strong Warning to Iran
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran must take two critical steps to avoid military action: abandon its nuclear ambitions and end the violent crackdown on protesters. Speaking at the premiere of a documentary about his wife Melania, Trump emphasized that thousands have been killed in the ongoing protests and that US naval forces are already positioned in the Gulf.
"We have very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn't have to use them," Trump said.
Iran’s Firm Response
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have vowed that their armed forces are ready to respond immediately and forcefully to any aggression. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to a fair nuclear deal that guarantees peaceful technology but rejects nuclear weapons. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi added that no formal negotiations with the US are currently underway.
Regional Efforts to De-Escalate
Turkey has offered to mediate tensions between Tehran and Washington. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with his Iranian counterpart, pledging assistance to reduce hostilities and avoid military confrontation.
Background: Iranian Protests
The unrest began in late December following a sharp drop in the Iranian currency and quickly escalated into a major crisis for the clerical leadership. Human rights agencies report at least 6,479 deaths, mostly protesters, including children. Iranian authorities claim over 3,100 deaths, primarily security personnel and bystanders. The European Union recently added the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list and imposed additional sanctions.
The US Stakes and Potential Scenarios
Trump previously promised support for Iranian protesters and continues to press Iran to “come to the table” for negotiations. With a massive naval armada deployed in the Gulf, the US remains prepared for rapid action if diplomacy fails. Analysts warn that any strike could escalate the conflict, impacting global security and energy markets.