Last week, indirect negotiations began between Washington and Tehran concerning the future of Iran's nuclear program. In light of these discussions, President Trump has warned of 'very painful' consequences for Iran should it fail to reach a nuclear agreement. This warning comes during a critical period when tensions between the United States and Iran are heightened due to recent protests in Iran, which have been met with government repression.

At the end of last month, Trump took military actions by sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Persian Gulf, indicating a readiness to respond to Iran's actions. Recent reports suggest that another carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is being redirected from the Caribbean to the Middle East to join existing strike forces in the region, demonstrating an increase in US military presence amid rising tensions.

The article also references unnamed Pentagon officials who have discussed plans to deploy a second aircraft carrier, highlighting concerns and preparations in the US regarding potential conflicts and a possible escalation if Iran does not comply with international demands regarding its nuclear activities. This development underscores the delicate nature of the geopolitical situation in the region and the significant implications for US-Iran relations moving forward.