Washington, United States. US President Donald Trump has deployed a large naval force to the Gulf, warning that “time is running out” for Tehran to secure a new nuclear deal. The move follows the violent suppression of Iranian protesters and military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025.
US naval and air deployment
The American strike group is led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying more than 80 fighter jets. It is supported by three cruisers equipped with Tomahawk missiles and four minesweepers stationed in Bahrain to ensure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Additional F-15 fighter-bombers and anti-aircraft batteries have also arrived at regional bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump’s conditions for a new deal
Trump said on Thursday night he “hopes not to use” the force, but urged Tehran to sign a “fair deal” regarding its nuclear programme. Washington is demanding a total ban on uranium enrichment, limits on ballistic missiles, and the dismantling of the “Axis of Resistance,” including Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Analysts’ assessments of potential action
Analysts suggest Trump may be preparing for military action to enforce his “red lines.” Farzan Sabet, an Iran specialist at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, said the US could target oil tankers to strangle Iran’s economy or conduct precision strikes on air defences and missile sites.
Eva Koulourioti, a Middle East analyst, said strikes could specifically target the Revolutionary Guards and Basij militia involved in domestic crackdowns. A more extreme “decapitation” scenario involves massive strikes against the regime’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to paralyse the chain of command.
Iranian response and capabilities
Tehran responded by announcing live-fire military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz starting Sunday. Despite recent losses, Iran maintains an arsenal of up to 2,000 ballistic missiles and 1,000 strategic drones capable of reaching Israel and disrupting global oil shipping.
How do you think the announced drills in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global oil shipping?
