Trump: Iran "Called" for Deal as U.S. Sends Carrier to Region

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Iran wants to negotiate with the United States, even as the U.S. military deploys an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. "They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk," Trump told reporters. The president's comments come amid rising tensions. The U.S. has sent the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region. Officials cited what they called "clear indications" of threats from Iran against American forces. This move represents a significant show of military force. However, Trump's statement suggests a simultaneous openness to diplomacy. Iran has not publicly confirmed any recent outreach to the U.S. The two nations have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980.