"Iran Wants Deal"

US President Donald Trump told Axios that Iran has repeatedly expressed interest in talks with Washington. “They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk,” he said, while describing the situation as “in flux” due to US military movements.

USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Middle East

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deployment of the Nimitz-class USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group to the Middle East. CENTCOM said the carrier arrived “to promote regional security and stability,” reflecting Washington’s effort to bolster its military posture in a volatile region.

Iran Faces Domestic Unrest

Iran has been experiencing widespread protests since December 28, beginning at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Citizens have demonstrated against the sharp depreciation of the rial and worsening economic conditions, with unrest spreading to multiple cities across the country.

Regional Tensions Escalate

Trump’s statements come amid heightened US-Iran tensions. Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of supporting “armed rioters” and warned that any attack would trigger a “swift and comprehensive” response. Last June, a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, supported by the US, prompted retaliatory attacks from Tehran before a ceasefire was announced.