US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran in a post on the social network Truth Social, in which he said that a "massive armada" of US naval forces was heading towards the country and called on Tehran to immediately begin negotiations.
"A massive armada is heading towards Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm and purpose", Trump wrote. In his words, this is "a larger fleet, led by the great aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" than the one that was sent to Venezuela".
Trump stressed that, as with Venezuela, the forces are "ready, willing and able to quickly accomplish their mission - with speed and violence if necessary". At the same time, he expressed hope for a diplomatic outcome: "I hope Iran will quickly "sit down to the table" and negotiate a fair and just deal - WITHOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS - a deal that is good for all parties".
In his post, Trump added that time is running out: "Time is running out, the issue is truly critical!". He also recalled previous warnings to Tehran: "As I have told Iran before: MAKE A DEAL! They did not do so, and "Operation Midnight Hammer" - the massive destruction of Iran - followed.
The American president also issued a direct threat for future actions: "The next attack will be much worse! Do not let this happen again," he concluded his message with the words: "Thank you for your attention to this matter!".
The publication comes against the backdrop of sharply heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and reports of an increased American military presence in the region, combining direct military threats with a call for negotiations under the conditions set by the United States.