Trump Considers Sending Second Aircraft Carrier if Iran Talks Collapse

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential escalation of U.S. military posture while pursuing diplomacy, describing a dual-track approach of negotiations backed by force, according to remarks he made to Axios.

Trump links diplomacy to military buildup

In an interview with on Tuesday, Trump said he is “thinking” about sending another aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to prepare for military action should talks with Iran break down.

“We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going,” Trump told Axios, adding that the outcome would be either a deal or “something very tough like last time,” referring to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.

A U.S. official confirmed to Axios that discussions have taken place about deploying a second carrier, in addition to the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group, which includes fighter jets, Tomahawk missiles and multiple escort ships. The U.S. maintained two carriers in the region during much of the Gaza war.

Talks resume after June conflict

The U.S. and Iran resumed negotiations last Friday in Oman, their first since the 12-day war in June. Trump told Axios he expects a second round of talks to take place next week.

Despite the military buildup, Trump expressed optimism about diplomacy, telling Axios that Iran “wants to make a deal very badly” and is engaging more seriously than in previous rounds due to U.S. military pressure. “Last time they didn’t believe I would do it,” he said, adding that Iran had “overplayed their hand.”

Dispute over scope of negotiations

Tehran has publicly insisted it will not negotiate on issues beyond its nuclear program and will not give up its right to enrich uranium. That position has fueled skepticism among hawks in Washington and Israel, who argue a comprehensive agreement is unlikely.

Trump told Axios it was a “no-brainer” that any deal must cover Iran’s nuclear program and added it should also address Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles. “We can make a great deal with Iran,” he said.

Netanyahu visit adds pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington on Wednesday, a trip moved up from next week to fit Trump’s schedule. Trump told Axios he does not believe Netanyahu is nervous about the negotiations. “He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal,” Trump said.

Before departing, Netanyahu told reporters he would present Israel’s views on what he called the essential principles of the negotiations, arguing they are critical for Middle East security.

Mediation efforts intensify

Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader and secretary of Iran’s national security council, visited Muscat on Tuesday and met Omani officials. He is expected in Doha on Wednesday for talks with Qatari leaders.

According to U.S. officials cited by Axios, Larijani may be conveying Iran’s positions to mediators ahead of the next round of negotiations. He also posted a message on X warning Washington against Israeli influence over the talks.