Trump Says He Hopes Military Action Against Iran Can Be Avoided
Amid threats from Tehran and EU sanctions on the IRGC, U.S. President signals diplomacy while naval forces remain on alert
U.S, Jan 30 : U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he hopes to avoid military action against Iran, despite escalating threats from Tehran and growing international pressure. The remarks came as the U.S. deployed a naval strike group to the Gulf amid concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and its crackdown on domestic protests.
“I have had and I am planning on talks,” Trump told reporters, adding, “We have a group headed out to a place called Iran, and hopefully we won’t have to use it.” His comments follow earlier warnings that time was “running out” for Tehran.
The deployment coincides with Iran’s stern warnings of a decisive response to any U.S. action. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that American aircraft carriers and regional bases are “within the range of our medium range missiles” and cautioned that a strike would not unfold “as Trump imagines.”
Meanwhile, the European Union designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organisation over its role in violently suppressing nationwide protests, prompting criticism from Tehran. Rights groups estimate thousands of protesters have been killed, with official tallies by Iranian authorities claiming more than 3,000 deaths, including security forces.
Diplomatic efforts are underway, including calls between Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to reduce regional tensions. UN chief Antonio Guterres has also urged renewed nuclear negotiations to avoid a crisis with potentially devastating consequences.
On the streets of Tehran, citizens expressed uncertainty and fear. One resident said, “I am not in favour of war. I just want something to happen that would result in something better,” reflecting the widespread anxiety amid rising military and political tensions.
