Trump said the fleet was larger than the one he sent to Venezuela, referring to his naval blockade of the South American country to prevent sanctioned oil tankers from leaving.

Many people in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried that Trump will make good on his threats to attack Iran again, but for some, it's fear laced with hope.

The president advised Iran make a deal or "the next attack will be far worse."

By Steve Holland and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to speak with Iran, even as the U.S. dispatched another warship to the Middle East and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the military would be ready to carry out whatever the president decided.

President Donald Trump demanded that Iran's regime "come to the table" on Thursday, touting a "massive armada" the US has deployed to the region.

The president threatened Iran with an approaching warship used in the U.S. military's Venezuela operation, urging them to make a nuclear deal.

U.S. allies and partners in the Middle East again are urging restraint from both the United States and Iran as the Trump administration warns of a possible strike and builds up its military presence in the region.

Iran’s Islamic Republic, weakened by airstrikes in June and huge popular unrest, warns that it will strike back hard if attacked by the United States. This time, Iran may mean it.

Trump on Wednesday revived the threat of military action against Iran and warned “time is running out” for a deal limiting its nuclear program.

Maliki's bid for Iraqi PM role as Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses concerns about pro-Tehran government seizing control of Iraq.