The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group of the United States Navy has entered the Persian Gulf, which President Trump referred to as a massive American military fleet. The US Ambassador to NATO stated that this fleet sends two signals to Iran.
With the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the area of responsibility of US Central Command (Centcom), the US military presence in the Middle East is further strengthened. More destroyers are approaching Iran, along with fighter jets, air defense systems, and drones. All these military forces have expanded Trump’s offensive and defensive options in the region.
According to a report from Fox News on February 1st, US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker described the presence of the (US military) fleet “anchored near the Iranian coast” as a show of force and a “retreat (and reconciliation) channel”.
He said that Iranian authorities “could easily ease tensions by giving up the nuclear program and ceasing the crackdown on protest activities”.
Whitaker stated that President Trump has made clear demands to Iran, and the next steps will depend on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. At the same time, a US Navy fleet is patrolling the region.
He added that Trump “will not wait indefinitely” for his ultimatum to be met.
“The President’s position on Iran is very clear… You cannot possess nuclear weapons, you must stop killing protesters on the streets,” Whitaker said on the Fox News program “The Big Weekend Show” on Saturday.
“This is a very clear red line.”
“We’re watching. The ball is in their court now,” he said. “But you know, President Trump will not remain patient indefinitely on this matter.”
Whitaker emphasized that despite reports suggesting that President Trump may be considering military action, the President’s goal is not to destabilize Iran.
On Saturday, Trump stated that he believes Iranian authorities are engaged in “serious” negotiations with the US and hopes to reach an agreement that is “acceptable to both sides”.
On Sunday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that any attack on Iran would trigger a regional conflict.
When asked about Khamenei’s remarks, Trump responded, “Of course he would say that.”
“But we have the world’s largest, most powerful ships there, within a few days, hopefully we can reach an agreement,” he continued. “If we fail to reach an agreement, then we will see if he was right or not.”