Français
Español
English
Portuguese
“We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
By United with Israel Staff
As tensions with Iran continue to rise amid mixed signals from the Trump administration, President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning Thursday, pointing to an extraordinary surge of American firepower moving into the region.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the United States was positioning major naval forces near Iran “just in case.”
“We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
Trump later doubled down, portraying the deployment as a massive show of force — and a direct message to Tehran.
“We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” he said.
Trump also said he had pressured Iran to halt what he described as a planned mass execution, warning Tehran it would face devastating consequences if it went forward.
“I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago,” Trump said.
“I said, ‘If you hang those people, you’re going to be hit harder than you’ve ever been hit. It’ll make what we did to you around nuclear look like peanuts,’” he added, claiming Iranian authorities canceled the executions shortly before they were set to take place.
“They didn’t postpone it. They canceled it,” Trump said. “So that was a good sign. But we have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it. We’ll see.”
Trump’s remarks came as U.S. military posture in the Middle East is now swelling toward its most formidable level in months — a sweeping, multi-layered buildup that signals Washington is preparing for the possibility of rapid escalation.
In recent days, a growing number of U.S. Navy warships — including platforms capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles — have been moving into position, joined by the carrier strike group built around the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The carrier brings with it a major air wing of fighter aircraft, supported by escort destroyers and a widening network of additional naval and logistics vessels.
Alongside the naval surge, U.S. air power has also been visibly ramping up. Reports have pointed to expanded fighter deployments, as well as intensified activity by American aerial refueling and heavy transport aircraft — the kind of movements often associated with large-scale operational readiness.
Additional air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD batteries, have also been reported deploying across the region.
Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran over what he has described as the regime’s brutal handling of anti-government protests, during which thousands were reportedly killed. He has also cited Iran’s ongoing nuclear advances and ballistic missile program as central to the growing confrontation.
Iran, for its part, has warned that any strike on its territory would be met with retaliation, including attacks on Israel and U.S. bases throughout the Middle East.
While officials have offered mixed signals about what comes next, the rapidly expanding U.S. presence is difficult to miss — a sweeping show of force meant to deter Tehran, reassure allies, and leave no doubt that Washington is positioning for any scenario.
Whether it remains a warning or becomes the opening move of something far larger remains uncertain, but the message is unmistakable: the United States is moving into place.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
