U.S. President Donald Trump has said that “a massive armada” is heading towards Iran and is ready to “fulfil its mission”, adding that time is running out for the Islamic Republic to make a deal on its nuclear programme. In response, Tehran said that if attacked, it would retaliate “like never before”.
“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,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).
“Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. 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,” added Mr. Trump.
On January 3, U.S. forces carried out a nighttime raid in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and abducted its President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently in a U.S. jail facing charges of narco-terrorism. On January 2, amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, Mr. Trump had said the U.S. was “locked and loaded” to respond if Iran killed protesters. He also urged the Iranian protesters to “seize their institutions” and promised that “help is on the way”.
