Iran says U.S. military deployment ‘does not scare us’ as Trump’s Armada nears Middle East

Iran on Sunday reaffirmed its hardline position amid renewed nuclear talks with the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserting that Tehran will neither abandon uranium enrichment nor be intimidated by Washington’s military build-up in the region. 

Dismissing the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, Araghchi said Iran was not afraid of US military deployments, stressing that pressure tactics would not alter its stance.

Speaking at a forum in Tehran, Araghchi expressed deep mistrust toward Washington and questioned the seriousness of the US commitment to negotiations, according to an AFP report. 
 

‘No one can dictate our behaviour’

Araghchi ruled out any compromise on uranium enrichment, framing it as an issue of national sovereignty. “No one has the right to dictate our behaviour,” he said, adding that Iran would maintain its position even under the threat of war. While Iran is seeking relief from sweeping US sanctions, the foreign minister said Tehran could consider confidence-building steps related to its nuclear programme.

Despite the diplomatic outreach, Araghchi warned that ongoing sanctions and military actions cast doubt on the US's intent for genuine negotiations. He also said Iran was coordinating closely with strategic partners China and Russia. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued its pressure campaign, expanding sanctions and deploying what Trump described as an “armada” to the region.