The statements were made in a context of increasing tension between Washington and the Iranian regime.
"We have many ships heading in that direction, just in case. We have a large fleet going there, and we will see what happens," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked about the situation in the Middle East. The President stated that the United States is monitoring Iran's movements "very closely", although he mentioned that he would prefer to avoid any confrontation.
The President's words coincide with reports from military analysts pointing to recent movements of the U.S. Navy. Among them, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group, which reportedly left the South China Sea heading to the Indian Ocean.
Trump reiterated that his pressures prevented the execution of 837 individuals detained during the anti-government protests, largely motivated by the economic crisis in Iran, reinforcing his warning message to the Iranian government.