The White House has cautioned Iran that it would be “very wise” to reach a deal with the United States as tensions mount over Tehran’s nuclear activities. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists that President Donald Trump remains open to a diplomatic resolution, even as Washington strengthens its military posture in the region.
Leavitt confirmed that U.S. forces are being reinforced, including the deployment of the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R Ford, alongside fighter jets and guided missile destroyers.
According to the administration, the buildup is designed to deter hostile actions and safeguard key international shipping lanes.
Reports suggest that Trump has reviewed possible military strike options with senior advisers, and officials indicate American forces could be prepared to act within days if necessary. However, no final decision has been taken, as diplomatic efforts continue simultaneously. Recent discussions in Geneva reportedly yielded limited progress on major sticking points.
Iran has responded with its own display of strength. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shared an AI-generated image portraying the USS Gerald R. Ford submerged, signaling defiance against U.S. pressure. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps carried out naval drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for global oil exports.
Leavitt reiterated that while Washington prefers a negotiated settlement, Tehran must move swiftly to avoid further escalation. She emphasized that significant gaps remain in the negotiations and warned that failure to reach agreement could leave military action as an option.
The evolving standoff highlights the fragile balance between diplomacy and deterrence, as both sides seek leverage while keeping pressure high in the ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
