‘No Fear of Force’: Iran Dismisses US Military Buildup As Trump’s ‘Armada’ Nears

Tehran : Iran has openly rejected the idea that a growing American military presence in the Middle East will intimidate Tehran, even as President Donald Trump has described a powerful naval force approaching the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a forum in Tehran that the deployment of U.S. forces including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group “does not scare us”. 

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s determination to continue enriching uranium and insisted that the country will not yield to external pressure, framing its nuclear activities as a sovereign right. “Why do we insist so much on enrichment and refuse to give it up, even if a war is imposed on us? Because no one has the right to dictate our behaviour,” he said, underscoring Tehran’s deep mistrust of Washington’s intentions. 

Also read : India, Canada To Deploy Security Liaison Officers In Bid To Restore Bilateral Relations

The comments came shortly after indirect nuclear discussions between Iranian and U.S. officials took place in Oman, the first such talks since a violent conflict between Iran and Israel last year that briefly involved the United States. While Iran is seeking relief from long-standing U.S. sanctions in exchange for limited nuclear concessions, Araghchi suggested ongoing sanctions and military pressure cast doubt on America’s seriousness about genuine diplomacy. 

Araghchi also described Iran’s strategic alliances with China and Russia as part of its broader negotiation posture, and dismissed Western claims that Tehran is pursuing nuclear weapons. He said adversaries “fear our atomic bomb, while we are not looking for one,” contending that the country’s nuclear programme serves as leverage rather than a weapon. 

The Trump administration has maintained its assertive approach, with envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner visiting U.S. naval assets in the region. Trump has labelled the force en route as an “armada,” part of a broader effort to pressure Iran while simultaneously publicising diplomatic engagement. 

Also read : 3 Doors Down Frontman Brad Arnold Succumbs To Kidney Cancer at 47