• Trump confirms a massive US naval "armada" is heading toward Iran, intended to deter Tehran from further actions.
• The deployment follows heightened tensions due to a severe crackdown on protests in Iran, with significant death tolls reported.
• Iranian officials have denied plans to execute protesters despite Trump's claims that US threats halted executions.
• Preparations include air defense systems to protect US assets against potential Iranian attacks.
• Trump reiterates his openness to talks with Tehran while warning against restarting its nuclear program.

President Donald Trump announced that a significant US naval "armada" is heading towards Iran, as tensions escalate over Tehran's crackdown on domestic protests and potential nuclear activities. While Trump expressed hope that military action would not be necessary, he reaffirmed that "we have a big force going towards Iran," noting that the USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers would be arriving in the region soon, according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

Trump's comments were made following reports indicating nearly 3,117 deaths during nationwide protests, a figure released by Iranian officials. The president claimed that his earlier threats against the Iranian government had led to a cancellation of approximately 840 planned executions of detainees in the protests, stating, "If you hang those people, you’re going to be hit harder than you’ve ever been hit," according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

U.S. officials indicated that the naval buildup includes additional air defense systems to secure US bases in the region against potential Iranian actions. The deployment aligns with previous military strategies used during times of increased tensions, following last year's attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, as reported by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

Iranian officials, including General Mohammad Pakpour of the Revolutionary Guards, have responded defiantly to Trump's remarks, warning against any US miscalculations and stating, "The Guards have their finger on the trigger, more prepared than ever," indicating a readiness to act if provoked, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

In addition to military discussions, Trump emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from resuming its nuclear program, warning that future actions would be met with significant military force. He reiterated his promise to act if Tehran attempts a new nuclear enrichment effort, stating, "If they try to do it again, they have to go to another area," according to Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.