'NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS': Trump warns Iran 'time is running out' for fair deal - 'Massive armada coming'

United States President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with “violence” by a massive armada that he says is heading towards Tehran, if it does not negotiate a “fair and equitable deal”. Donald Trump also sought to recall the ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ warning that the “next attack will be far worse.”

Donald Trump posted: “A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”

The Republican US president, who pulled out of a 2015 multination nuclear deal with Tehran during his first White House term, noted that his last warning to Iran was followed by a military strike. Also Read | Donald Trump dances onstage after hailing ‘another beautiful Armada’ sailing toward Iran - ‘Tehran should've made deal’

“Hopefully Iran will quickly “Come to the Table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he continued.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not been in contact with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days or requesting negotiations, state media reported earlier on Wednesday. Also Read | US President's remarks on Trump Accounts shortly: What to know about the children savings program

Two US officials have told Reuters that the Lincoln and supporting warships had arrived in the Middle East. The warships started moving from the Asia-Pacific region last week as US-Iranian tensions soared following a bloody crackdown on protests across Iran by its clerical authorities in recent weeks.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if Iran continued killing protesters, though the nationwide demonstrations over economic hardship and political repression have since subsided.

He has also said the United States would take action if Tehran resumes its nuclear programme following the June airstrikes by Israeli and US forces on key nuclear facilities.

(With agency inputs)