Trump Threatens Military Action Against Iran as Second Aircraft Carrier Deployment Looms

President Donald Trump has issued stark warnings to Iran, stating the United States will take "something very tough" military action if diplomatic negotiations fail, even as his administration simultaneously pursues mediated talks through Oman.

In interviews with Israeli media outlets including Channel 12 and Axios, Trump revealed he is actively considering deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, a dramatic escalation that would significantly enhance American strike capability in the region. The warning comes just days after U.S. and Iranian officials held secret negotiations in Oman aimed at preventing a broader military confrontation.

"Either we reach a deal or we'll have to do something very tough," Trump told Israel's Channel 12 in comments that have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. The president's dual-track approach—engaging in talks while simultaneously threatening military escalation—has created an atmosphere of intense uncertainty about the region's near-term future.

Military Buildup Already Underway

The United States has already positioned one aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East, a deployment that began raising fears of imminent military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. Satellite imagery analyzed by Reuters reveals a significant military buildup across the region, including additional aircraft and missile systems at American bases in Qatar.

Defense officials told Reuters that if Trump orders a second carrier deployment, the most likely candidates would be:

• USS George Washington, currently operating in Asian waters
• USS George H.W. Bush, stationed on the U.S. East Coast
• USS Ford, positioned in the Caribbean

Each vessel would require at least a week to reach Middle Eastern waters, suggesting any military action remains at least several days away while diplomatic channels remain open.

Diplomatic Channels Remain Active

Despite the escalating rhetoric and military posturing, both sides appear committed to continued negotiations. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, struck a conciliatory tone following the Oman talks, stating that discussions revealed "understanding and consensus to continue the diplomatic process."

The negotiations, facilitated by Oman—a longtime neutral mediator between Iran and Western powers—represented the highest-level direct engagement between Washington and Tehran since Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

Adding another layer of diplomatic complexity, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, traveled to Oman on Tuesday for follow-up discussions. Larijani is scheduled to continue to Qatar, which has mediated multiple Middle East crises including negotiations for hostage releases and ceasefires.

Regional Powers Watch Tensely

The simultaneous pursuit of diplomacy and military escalation has left Middle Eastern allies and adversaries alike scrambling to assess American intentions. Trump's threat of military action follows his previous intervention in Iran's internal affairs—last month, he threatened to attack Iranian government forces during a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests but ultimately refrained from direct military strikes.

Israel, Iran's most vocal regional opponent, has welcomed Trump's hardline stance while carefully monitoring the diplomatic track. Israeli officials have long pressed Washington to take more aggressive action against Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran insists are for civilian energy purposes despite widespread international skepticism.

Economic Impact Already Visible

The uncertainty surrounding potential military action has already affected global markets. Oil prices have fluctuated significantly as traders weigh the possibility of supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments pass.

Energy analysts note that any sustained military conflict involving Iran could send oil prices surging well above current levels, potentially triggering broader economic consequences as major economies continue recovering from recent inflationary pressures.

What's Next?

The timeline for additional negotiations remains unclear, with neither Washington nor Tehran announcing specific dates or venues for follow-up talks. Trump's statement that he is "considering" rather than definitively ordering a second carrier deployment suggests the administration is using military threats as leverage rather than preparing for immediate strikes.

However, the president's history of unpredictable decision-making—combined with his previous ordering of Israeli-coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—leaves little room for certainty about American intentions.

For now, the region watches and waits as two aircraft carriers potentially converge on the Middle East, while diplomats work against the clock to prevent a conflict that could engulf one of the world's most volatile regions.