Nournews: Just days ahead of the second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its accompanying strike group have entered an operational phase northeast of Socotra Island. This move — particularly on the eve of talks scheduled for Saturday in Muscat, Oman — has been viewed not as a routine naval drill, but as a symbolic and cautionary act with a clear political message: diplomacy under the heavy shadow of fighter jets.
The simultaneous presence of two US aircraft carriers in the region, heavily escorted by destroyers and supporting cruisers, further complicates the current political and security landscape. Images released by the US Navy show repeated take-offs of F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets from the decks. Analysts argue that such a high level of combat readiness is not merely a pressure tactic, but may also convey a message highlighting the duality of diplomacy and war.
What stands out is the timing of these military movements alongside the initial optimism expressed over the results of the first round of talks. Although both sides seem relatively satisfied with the dialogue, Tehran — as previously stated — views this parallel between military posturing and negotiations as a strategic contradiction and a sign of deep distrust toward US intentions.
On the other hand, Donald Trump recently stated, “I think the Iranians are playing us... and if we have to do a very tough job, we will.” This open threat is not just a display of military might, but also appears to be a calculated political maneuver aimed at undermining Biden’s Iran policy.
Analysts are now asking: Is Trump applying final pressure to extract concessions, or is he trying to frame any future deal as one forced on Iran out of fear? Especially since in the same remarks, he accused Biden of backing down and being outmaneuvered by Iran.
Meanwhile, Steve Wittkoff, Trump’s special envoy on Iran, outlined Washington’s two main conditions for a deal in US media: reducing uranium enrichment levels below 3.67% and full scrutiny of Iran’s military nuclear program, including its missile projects and sensitive infrastructure. These demands make it clear that Washington is not seeking a return to the JCPOA, but rather a new and more demanding agreement.
In this light, the USS Carl Vinson, alongside the USS Harry S. Truman, represents not just a tool of intimidation but also part of a broader US strategy to impose its narrative of the agreement — one in which Iran is portrayed not as a negotiating partner, but as a weakened adversary.
From Tehran’s perspective, however, these maneuvers are not pressure tactics, but rather clear violations of the norms of political engagement and provocative behavior. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that they reject “negotiation under threat” and will firmly adhere to their strategic principles. This position suggests that if Washington’s aim is to speed up the negotiation process, such moves may ultimately backfire.
The regional dimension of these developments is also significant. As US carriers conduct maneuvers in southern waters near Iran, heavy strikes are being carried out on Ansarullah positions in Yemen. This simultaneous activity signals Washington’s attempt to use proxy tools for indirect pressure on Iran — a strategy that relies on targeting Tehran’s regional allies to alter its negotiation calculus.
Some analysts believe that Trump’s approach is, in fact, intended to accelerate the negotiation process. The display of military readiness, they argue, serves as a catalyst for talks, pushing Iran into an early decision-making posture. Unlike pure threats, this tactic is aimed at psychological effect — focusing more on shaping public opinion and media narratives.
The arrival of the second US carrier in the region can thus be seen as part of a “tactical pressure campaign ahead of final bargaining.” As tensions rise, the Persian Gulf and Red Sea may be approaching a new boiling point — one where diplomacy will only stand a chance if the military threats are pulled back.
NOURNEWS