Middle East: Trump steps up military pressure on Iran as second carrier group considered

The United States and Iran are entering a new round of escalation following a shocking ultimatum from Trump, reported via Axios, in which the American president threatens to "press the button" of total war if Tehran does not back down during current bilateral negotiations. More specifically, President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with Axios on Tuesday, February 10, that he is seriously considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to be ready for military action should negotiations with Iran fail. At the same time, the overall US military presence in the region is intensifying, with B-52 strategic bombers arriving last night at the Al Udeid American base in Qatar.

??B-52 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, have landed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on alert for Iran.

These legendary Cold War giants once patrolled the Soviet border armed with real nukes… now back in the spotlight. pic.twitter.com/fpryqvxRsI

— WAR (@warsurv) February 9, 2026

Trump: "Agree so you aren't punished harshly"

This move is assessed as particularly critical as the United States and Iran restarted talks last Friday, February 6, in Oman, for the first time since the 12-day war in June. At the same time, however, Donald Trump has unleashed a massive military buildup in the Gulf, stating characteristically that "either there will be a deal or he will be forced to do something very harsh, like last time."

US sends second carrier alongside USS Abraham Lincoln

Simultaneously, Donald Trump stated that he expects the second round of talks between the United States and Iran to take place next week. He mentioned that an armada is already heading toward the region and a second may follow, confirming that he is thinking about it seriously. An American official confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region, beyond the USS Abraham Lincoln and its own strike group, which includes fighter jets, Tomahawk missiles, and several cruiser ships. It is noted that the United States maintained two aircraft carriers in the region for most of the war in Gaza.

"The Iranians seem desperate to make a deal"

Despite the military moves, Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the diplomatic route, claiming that Iran desperately wants to close a deal and is participating much more seriously than in previous talks due to the military threat. The President of the United States estimated that last time the Iranians did not believe he would take action, referring to his decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in June, commenting that then his opponents overestimated their strength. This time, the talks are very different, the American president pointed out characteristically.

Tehran negotiates on "one issue," Tel Aviv asks for... blood

However, there is a significant point of friction, as Tehran insists publicly that it will not negotiate on any other issue besides its nuclear program, and even then, it will not relinquish its right to uranium enrichment. This stance led the "hawks" in Washington and Israel to the conclusion that a comprehensive agreement is not feasible and that Donald Trump should instead proceed with the military option. Donald Trump stated it is self-evident that any deal must cover Iran's nuclear program, but he also considers it possible to include the country's ballistic missile stockpiles, insisting that a great deal can be achieved.

Netanyahu in Washington tomorrow, February 11

In the background of the case, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington on Wednesday, February 11, being much more skeptical about the prospects of such a deal. Donald Trump told Axios that he does not believe Benjamin Netanyahu is nervous about the negotiations, adding that he also wants a deal, as long as it is good.

"Take the Israeli position seriously during negotiations with Iran"

This visit, the seventh by Benjamin Netanyahu since Donald Trump returned to power, was moved earlier to accommodate the president's schedule. For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters before his flight that he will present the American president with the Israeli views regarding the principles of these negotiations, which are important not only for Israel but for the whole world that desires peace in the Middle East.

Iranian diplomacy in a fever of consultations

In the current phase of developments, Ali Larijani, a top advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and secretary of the country's national security council, visited Muscat on Tuesday, February 10, and met with the Sultan of Oman and the Foreign Minister. On Wednesday, February 11, Ali Larijani is expected in Doha for meetings with senior Qatari officials, as Oman and Qatar are two key mediators.

Warning from Iran: Careful, the Zionists want to manipulate Trump

American officials believe that Ali Larijani may convey Iran's positions to the mediators ahead of the second round of talks. Ali Larijani himself sent a message to the United States via the platform X before Benjamin Netanyahu's visit, calling on the Americans to think wisely and not allow the Israeli leader to "teach" them the framework of nuclear negotiations, warning them to remain alert to the destructive role of the Zionists.

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