President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an “armada” heading toward Iran, but he expressed hope that it would not have to be used. His statement came as he renewed warnings to Tehran over the killing of protesters and the possibility of restarting its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States was closely watching Iran’s actions. “We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case … I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” he said while aboard Air Force One on his way back to the United States after attending meetings with world leaders in Davos. At another moment, he repeated the warning, saying: “We have an armada ... heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it.”

According to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers are expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. These officials said the movement of naval forces is part of a broader military deployment intended to respond to rising tensions between the two countries.

One official also said that additional air-defence systems are being considered for the Middle East. These systems could play an important role in protecting US bases in the region in case of any Iranian strike. The possibility of strengthening air defences reflects concerns about potential attacks and the need to safeguard American forces stationed across the Middle East.

The deployments significantly expand the military options available to the United States. They are designed not only to strengthen the defence of US forces but also to prepare for any further military action if the situation worsens. This comes after the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites in June, an action that has contributed to the current level of tension between the two nations.

The warships began moving from the Asia-Pacific region last week, according to officials. Their movement coincided with a sharp increase in tensions between Iran and the United States. These tensions have grown particularly strong following a severe crackdown on protests across Iran over recent months. The unrest inside Iran and the response by its authorities have been closely monitored by Washington.

Trump’s comments reflect a combination of warning and caution. While he emphasised the presence of a strong military force, he also indicated that he would prefer not to use it. His remarks suggest that the United States is preparing for possible developments while still hoping to avoid direct conflict.

US officials stressed that the purpose of the deployments is to ensure readiness and deterrence. By sending naval forces and considering additional air-defence systems, the United States aims to signal its preparedness to respond to any escalation while maintaining the ability to defend its interests and personnel in the region.

The situation remains tense as both countries continue to monitor each other’s actions. With US naval forces moving toward the Middle East and diplomatic warnings being issued, the coming days are expected to be critical in shaping the next phase of relations between Washington and Tehran.