US-Iran tensions escalate: Trump warns of 'far worse' attack as USS Abraham Lincoln approaches Iran

WASHINGTON (The Uttam Hindu) : US President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran with a major strike. Trump warned that this attack would be even bigger than the last. The US has deployed the lethal USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean, which is approaching Iran.

US media reported that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group entered the Indian Ocean on Monday and is moving closer to Iran. It could assist in any potential operations against Iran, whether it involves supporting attacks or protecting regional allies from a potential Iranian retaliatory strike. US media, citing sources, reported that the US and Iran had been exchanging messages earlier this month, including through Omani diplomats and between Trump's foreign envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The conversation was about a potential meeting to prevent a US strike, a threat Trump has been making in response to the deaths of protesters. Trump has recently increased his threats of military action.

A US official said the US military is deploying air defense systems to the area, including additional Patriot batteries, to protect US forces there from a potential Iranian retaliatory strike. US media, citing multiple sources, reported that the US has also deployed one or more THAAD missile defense systems to the area.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Derek France, AFCENT commander and Combined Forces Air Component commander for US Central Command, said in a statement, "The US Air Force is scheduled to conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East, demonstrating to Airmen that they can operate safely, accurately, and in close coordination with their partners, even under challenging conditions." Meanwhile, Trump has warned on TruthSocial that the fleet is advancing toward Iran. "It's being led by the Abraham Lincoln, which is moving with great speed, force, and purpose," he said.