Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.
The US president stated that a massive Armada was moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet.
In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the country's armed forces were ready with their fingers on the trigger to respond to any aggression by land or sea.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and has repeatedly denied allegations from the US and its allies of seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump's warning follows a promise that Washington will intervene to support those protesting in Iran amid claims of a brutal crackdown by the regime. Demonstrations erupted after a significant decline in the value of the Iranian currency, evolving into a broader crisis of legitimacy for the country’s clerical leadership.
Trump emphasized the need for Iran to negotiate a fair and equitable deal with no nuclear weapons, while Iran reiterated its insistence on securing its right to peaceful nuclear technology free from coercion.
