Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply increased after President Donald Trump warned Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal or face military action "far worse" than previous strikes. Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday, "A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." The fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary." Trump added, "The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again." Iran’s UN mission responded stating Tehran "stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests." However, it also warned that if provoked, Iran "WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE." Following these statements, the US confirmed increased military activity in West Asia. The US Central Command said the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group entered its area, redirected from Indo-Pacific. The group includes destroyers USS Frank E Petersen Jr, USS Spruance, and USS Michael Murphy, enhancing strike power. CENTCOM announced military exercises in West Asia to show combat airpower capabilities but did not specify details. The Financial Times reports 30,000 to 40,000 US troops are deployed in the region with five air wings and five warships. Advanced fighter jets like F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and F-15E Strike Eagle are also present. The US is moving Patriot and THAAD air defence systems to protect forces and allies against possible Iranian attacks, says the Wall Street Journal. Trump said, "We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely." The USS Abraham Lincoln is a powerful Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 1989. Its air wing includes cutting-edge jets like the F-35C, the US Navy’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. The F-15E Strike Eagle supports air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and the EA-18G Growler provides electronic warfare capabilities. MH-60 Seahawk helicopters add anti-submarine and support functions. Nuclear-powered submarines enhance undersea advantage. This strong military presence shows the US is prepared for swift action if needed. Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states hosting US forces want to stay out of conflict. Iranian-backed militias signal readiness for attacks, raising fears of further escalation in the region.