After leaving Davos, Switzerland, on the 22nd, U.S. President Trump told the media aboard Air Force One that the United States is mobilizing heavy forces toward Iran, and many warships are heading toward Iran.
“Many ships are on their way there, just in case. We are closely monitoring the situation. This is a large force. We are mobilizing heavy military forces toward Iran. I do not want to see anything happen, but we are monitoring them (Iran) very closely.”
Although Trump has recently downplayed the possibility of imminent military action against Iran, he confirmed on this day that the U.S. side is still conducting military deployments, and stated that the situation in Iran is still being closely monitored.
Trump reiterated that the previous threat to use force against Tehran had prompted Iran to halt the death sentences of more than 800 protesters. He also said he is open to a dialogue with Iran.
Some media quoted unnamed U.S. officials as saying that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several missile destroyers began transferring from the Asia-Pacific region last week, and are expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days.
An American official said the United States is also considering deploying additional air defense systems to the Middle East, which is crucial for guarding against any Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the region.