Iran says no talks under pressure as U.S. deploys more naval forces

Iran on Wednesday rejected any prospect of talks with the United States as long as Washington continues to threaten military action, after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric and announced the deployment of additional U.S. naval forces to the Middle East.

"There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. "Conducting diplomacy through military pressure is neither effective nor useful. If they want negotiations, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and illogical issues."

In a post on X, Araghchi added that Iran welcomes a new deal on its nuclear program but would respond forcefully to any U.S. military operation. 

"Our brave Armed Forces are prepared – with their fingers on the trigger," the Iranian diplomat said.

Trump, meanwhile, urged Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, warning that a "massive armada" was moving toward the region.

"A massive armada is heading to Iran," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the force would be larger than one previously deployed near Venezuela and would be ready to act if necessary.

"Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," he added. "Time is running out." Trump warned that any future U.S. strike would be "far worse" than previous military actions if no agreement is reached.

The United States has already dispatched the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers to the region. The U.S. Central Command said Monday that the carrier-led strike group had taken up position in Middle Eastern waters, without disclosing its exact location. 

The heightened military posture comes roughly a month after protests erupted across Iran, which Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of fomenting. Since then, Trump has sent mixed signals, alternately calling for negotiations while refusing to rule out military intervention.