US President Donald Trump reiterated his hard-line stance on Iran during a campaign-style event in Clive, Iowa, emphasising both military pressure and the possibility of negotiations with Tehran as tensions persist over the crackdown on protesters and regional security.

Pointing to a significant US military buildup in the Middle East, Trump said, "By the way, there's another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now. So we'll see. I hope they make a deal. I hope they make a deal. They should have made a deal the first time. They'd have a country." His comments highlighted Washington's show of force while also leaving the door open for diplomacy.