US-Iran tensions and Donald Trump’s ‘massive Armada’ threat: what we know so far

US-Iran tensions escalate as Trump threatens Iran with a "massive Armada," amid a complex history of conflict and diplomacy.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh threat to Iran, on Thursday (January 29, 2026) after months of simmering tensions.

“A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthU.S.iasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela,” wrote Mr. Trump in a social media post on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).

Also Read |What is happening in Iran? 

Tehran has promised a response “like never before.” 

But what is the conflict and what are the key developments leading to this altercation? Read to know.

The history of the U.S.-Iran tensions go back to the early 1950s but the latest tensions began in June 2025. The reasons include the U.S.’ demand that Iran end its ballistic missile programme, destroy its stockpiles and stop Uranium enrichment. Tehran has strongly rejected these demands with spokespersons labelling them ‘excessive’ and ‘illogical.’