"Hopefully, Military Action Won't Be Necessary": Trump on Iran Tensions

US President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for diplomacy over military conflict, even as a massive naval armada moves toward Iran. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday (January 29), Trump stated that while he is prepared to act, he remains hopeful about reaching a new nuclear deal through negotiations.

"In my first term, I built a stronger military, and now a very powerful group of ships is heading toward Iran. Hopefully, we won't have to use them," Trump remarked. When asked about potential talks, he confirmed that plans are in place and discussions regarding the situation have already occurred.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that the US military is fully prepared to execute any order from the President to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Reports indicate that the USS Delbert D. Black, a guided-missile destroyer, entered the Middle East within the last 48 hours, bringing the total number of US destroyers in the region to six, alongside an aircraft carrier and three littoral combat ships.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that their forces are on high alert. Spokesman Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini stated that Tehran has comprehensive plans to counter any "hostile actions." Meanwhile, Turkey is stepping in as a mediator, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urging both sides to avoid war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Ankara on Friday for urgent diplomatic talks.