The U.S. said it is "open for business" if Iran wants to make contact, while maintaining pressure over Tehran's crackdown on protesters. President Trump warned Iran and said an "armada" was heading toward the region, though he expressed hope it would not be used. A U.S. carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East, boosting defensive and potential offensive options. Iran warned any attack would be treated as "an all-out war."
U.S. 'Open for Business' If Iran Seeks Contact — Carrier Strike Group Arrives Amid Rising Tensions
USA and Iranian flags are seen in this illustration taken, September 8, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 — A U.S. official said on Monday that Washington is "open for business" if Iran wishes to make contact, as the United States steps up pressure on Tehran over a government crackdown on protesters.
When asked about the conditions for talks, the official told reporters,
"I think they know the terms. They're aware of the terms."
President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States had an "armada" heading toward Iran but expressed hope it would not have to be used, renewing warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or resuming its nuclear program.
Military Movements
Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday that a U.S. aircraft carrier and accompanying warships have arrived in the Middle East. Officials said the deployment increases Washington's ability to protect U.S. forces and to take military action against Iran if ordered.
Buses that were burned during Iran's protests, in Tehran, Iran, January 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
The U.S. military has a history of surging forces into the Middle East during periods of heightened tension; such moves are often described by U.S. officials as defensive. Last year, the military also carried out a significant buildup ahead of its June strikes related to Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's Response
A senior Iranian official warned on Friday that Tehran would treat any attack "as an all-out war against us," underscoring the risk that the situation could escalate rapidly.
The White House and U.S. officials say they want to maintain pressure on Iran over human-rights abuses while leaving a channel open for diplomacy if Tehran chooses to engage on Washington's terms.
(Reporting by Steve Holland and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
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