Iran Faces Nuclear Deal Talks Alongside Military Pressure: ‘Two-Track Strategy’
도널드 트럼프 대통령과 영부인 멜라니아 트럼프가 13일(현지시간) 금요일 플로리다주 웨스트팜비치의 팜비치 국제공항에 도착해 대통령 전용기 에어포스원에서 내리고 있다. AP연합뉴스
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on February 13, 2026, that he would welcome a change in the Iranian government, stating, “That seems to be the best thing that could happen.” The statement came as the administration announced plans to deploy a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, a move widely interpreted as a strategy to increase pressure on Iran while nuclear negotiations continue. This dual approach reflects a heightened state of tension in a region crucial to global energy supplies.
Before departing the White House for a visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, President Trump announced the impending deployment of the second carrier, stating it would be “leaving very soon” and would be “ready” should negotiations collapse. “I’ll use it if I have to,” he added, describing the deployment as “a very powerful force.”
Regarding the status of negotiations with Iran, President Trump expressed optimism, saying, “I reckon we’re going to make a deal,” but warned, “If we don’t, it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran.”
The U.S. Navy intends to deploy the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Middle East, joining the Abraham Lincoln, already stationed in the Persian Gulf. This will bring the total number of carrier strike groups in the region to two. The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group was previously deployed to the Caribbean Sea prior to a reported operation to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
제럴드 R. 포드 항공모함.
The decision to deploy an additional carrier strike group is seen as an effort to increase pressure on Iran and secure a favorable outcome in ongoing nuclear negotiations. The United States, which resumed talks with Iran after an eight-month hiatus, is pursuing a “two-track” approach of military pressure and dialogue.
When asked about who he would like to notice take power in Iran, President Trump declined to comment, stating, “I don’t want to talk about that.”
President Trump’s visit to Fort Bragg on February 13 was to commend service members involved in the recent operation to apprehend and transport Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. During remarks, President Trump asserted that the United States possesses the world’s most advanced weaponry, technology and warriors, adding, “Last month, we proved that truth once again with some of the greatest soldiers in history here successfully capturing Maduro and turning him over to U.S. Law enforcement.”
