Overview
- U.S. defense officials presented President Trump with options reportedly including special-operations raids inside Iran and strikes on nuclear and missile facilities, though no action has been authorized.
- A carrier strike group centered on the USS Abraham Lincoln is en route to the region and U.S. forces have reinforced assets at regional bases as Trump warned of a possible attack if no agreement is reached.
- Trump said Iran is engaging seriously and urged Tehran to accept an agreement that prevents it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
- Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Tehran would join fair negotiations and is prepared for war, and a senior security official indicated a framework to resume nuclear talks is being developed.
- Iranian forces increased naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying drone-capable vessels and planning live-fire drills for Feb. 1–2, and Turkey offered to mediate.