Iran deployed approximately 1,000 new “strategic drones” across its armed forces as the nation braces for a possible American air strike, according to the Iranian state news outlet Tasnim. The military
maneuver comes as US President Donald Trump dispatches what he has described as a “massive Armada” of naval vessels to the Persian Gulf. Tasnim reported that no photographs of the drone deployment would be released in order to safeguard “military secrets.”
This comes as Trump announced on Truth Social that the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, would deliver a “far worse” strike than Operation Midnight Hammer, the codename for America’s extensive air raids on Iran’s nuclear facilities last June.
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose,” Trump wrote, adding, “It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”
The US President urged Tehran to negotiate, writing, “Hopefully, Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal- NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS- one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!”
Trump invoked his previous military action against Iran, warning, “As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Iran Vows ‘All Out’ Response
Iranian leadership swiftly responded to Trump’s message with defiance. A senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any American military action would trigger a comprehensive response.
“A limited strike is an illusion. Any military action, from America from any origin and at any level, will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all out, and unprecedented, targeting the heart of Tel Aviv and all supporters of the aggressor,” the adviser said in a statement.
