By Micah Jonah
January 23, 2026
United States President, Donald Trump has confirmed that a powerful United States naval force is moving towards the Gulf region with Iran as the central focus, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos – Switzerland, Trump said the United States is closely monitoring Iran and has deployed strong military assets as a precautionary measure.
He stated that several warships are already on course towards the region, added that although he prefers to avoid conflict, the United States is fully prepared should the situation escalate.
Trump’s remarks followed reports that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, its strike group were redirected from operations in the South China Sea to the Middle East in recent days as part of the military buildup.
Trump also repeated his claim; that earlier warnings of military action forced Iranian authorities to halt planned executions of protesters, a claim strongly denied by Iranian officials. Iranian state media, however, reported that thousands of people died during recent nationwide protests, including civilians, security personnel.
In a separate interview, Trump warned that the United States would not hesitate to act if Iran attempts to restart its nuclear programme, recalling the US air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 during the conflict involving Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi has responded with a stern warning, saying Tehran would defend itself with full force if attacked, that any major conflict would spread across the region, impact people around the world.
As military movements continue on both sides, international observers fear that the growing show of force could push the long standing standoff between the United States and Iran towards another dangerous confrontation.
