Trump Threatens to Deploy Aircraft Carriers Again, Tehran Emphasizes "Never Bowing Down," US-Iran Negotiations Enter Critical Stage

[Global Times Special Correspondent Li Yong, Global Times Reporter Xian Yifan, Wen Yuan] On the 10th local time, U.S. President Trump stated in an interview with the Axios news website that he is "considering" sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East in preparation for military action if negotiations with Iran fail. He again urged Iran to "reach an agreement." Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif stated in a special interview with RT on the 10th in Tehran that Iran is fully committed to resolving issues with the U.S. through diplomatic means, while also preparing for the possibility of renewed conflict. "Iran's nuclear negotiations have entered a critical phase." The BBC reported that tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, and U.S.-Iran negotiations are intensifying. Meanwhile, Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on the 11th. According to the Washington Post, U.S. officials stated that the meeting would focus on Trump's Gaza peace plan, but Netanyahu indicated before departing for the U.S. that his "primary" goal is to reaffirm Israel's position that any agreement with Iran should not merely stop at halting Iran's plans to develop nuclear weapons. According to Turkey's Anadolu Agency, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Larijani stated that the U.S. should not allow Israel to dictate the negotiation process based on its own stance.

Foreign media reveal new movements of U.S. missiles

Regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations, Trump stated on the 10th to Axios, "Either we reach an agreement, or we will have to take very strong action like last time," adding, "They didn't believe I would actually take action." He was referring to his decision last June to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. According to Trump, the Iranians "overestimated their leverage" at that time, and this negotiation will be "very different."

Regarding Trump's statement that he is "considering" sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, Axios reported that a U.S. official confirmed that this option has indeed been discussed. The Washington Post mentioned that the USS George H.W. Bush is currently conducting pre-deployment training off the coast of Norfolk, on the U.S. East Coast.

The Israel Times on the 10th noted the movements of U.S. missiles in the Middle East, stating that satellite image analysis released by Reuters that day seems to indicate that Trump's threats are not empty words. The images show that U.S. forces stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar are loading Patriot missiles into mobile launchers, which means the missiles can be quickly deployed for strikes or defensive maneuvers in the event of an Iranian attack. This indicates that the risk of conflict is continuously rising.

On the 10th, Trump emphasized in a program on Fox Business that he believes Tehran is eager for dialogue, but any agreement must include strict conditions: no development of nuclear weapons, no development of missiles.

On the 11th, Iran held celebrations for the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory in Tehran. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, Iran displayed several cruise missiles and ballistic missiles that day. According to AFP, Iranian President Raisi stated on the 11th that Iran will not "yield to excessive demands" regarding its nuclear program, while also asserting that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, "We have stated this many times and are always ready for any verification." The report quoted Raisi as saying, "Iran will never bow to injustice."

In a special interview with RT on the 10th, Zarif stated, "We still do not fully trust the Americans. Last June, while negotiations were ongoing, they decided to attack us. That was a very bad experience for us."

Why Netanyahu is visiting the U.S. at this time

On the 11th local time, Trump met with Netanyahu in the U.S. The Washington Post quoted sources as saying that Netanyahu will directly present demands to Trump: a complete halt to uranium enrichment by Iran, the removal of existing nuclear materials from Iran, a stop to ballistic missile production, and an end to support for regional proxy armed groups.

Reports indicate that Zimrit, an expert on Iranian issues at the Israeli National Security Institute, expressed concern that the U.S. government might agree to two "unfavorable" terms for Israel during negotiations: that any agreement with Iran does not include missile issues; and that Trump might be willing to lift sanctions on Israel in exchange for some concessions from Iran on nuclear issues.

The Washington Post cited the views of political analyst Tarsir from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, stating that Netanyahu's visit to Washington is to act before the Gaza "Peace Committee" meeting scheduled by Trump next week. Netanyahu hopes to position this trip to the U.S. as coordinating plans for strikes against Iran, and he "does not want to appear alongside Turkey or Qatar," nor does he wish to participate in discussions on aspects of the Gaza peace plan that he does not agree with.

Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader visits Oman and Qatar consecutively

According to Axios, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary and Supreme Leader's advisor Larijani arrived in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on the 10th and was received by Sultan Haitham of Oman. The Israel Times cited reports from Iranian and Omani official news agencies stating that the two sides held nearly three hours of talks discussing the latest developments in Iran-U.S. negotiations. Additionally, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Larijani arrived in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on the 11th. Axios reported that U.S. officials believe Larijani may be conveying Iran's position to mediators ahead of the second round of U.S.-Iran talks.

Regarding the current situation, the Middle East Online website on the 11th quoted analysts as saying that the ongoing confrontations between the U.S. and Iran highlight the fragility of their relationship and may impact security in the Middle East, the oil market, and international diplomacy.

Iran's news agency on the 10th published an article stating that some experts believe that the current U.S. negotiations with Iran are not genuinely aimed at resolving differences, but rather to create a Trojan horse-like "illusion of peace" to make Iran feel that the situation is easing. Meanwhile, the White House is redesigning its pressure tactics, including strengthening economic blockade policies and forming an anti-Iran alliance. However, Washington's main goal remains to suppress Iran's actions and make its policies more predictable; the U.S. does not seek a large-scale war, as such military conflict would inevitably impose extremely heavy political, economic, and security costs on the United States.