In recent weeks, the relationship between the two nations has become increasingly strained following a brutal suppression by Iranian security forces against widespread anti-government demonstrations. This situation prompted former President Trump to deploy a significant US military presence to the area and issue threats of potential strikes.

Iran’s military has issued a stern warning, stating that any offensive action will be met with swift and powerful retaliation, targeting US forces and interests in the vicinity.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump remarked, “Without neutralizing that nuclear threat, peace in the Middle East would have been unattainable, as the Arab nations were deeply fearful of Iran.”

He continued, “Their fear of Iran has dissipated.”

Trump also disclosed that he has received information suggesting Iran is attempting to resurrect its nuclear efforts at new locations.

“They attempted to return to the previous site but couldn’t even approach it,” he noted.

“There was total obliteration. But they were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country. We found out about it. I said, ‘You do that, we’re going to do bad things to you.’”

As tensions simmer, neighbouring countries have been mediating between the two sides to avert a war, noting that any conflict could spread and destabilise the Middle East.

On Tuesday, a US aircraft carrier shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively approached” the ship in the Arabian Sea, according to the US military.

Hours later, two gunboats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to board and seize the ship, said Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command.

Trump first threatened possible military action last month as mass anti-government protests swept Iran and a nearly three-week nationwide internet blackout took hold, with Iranians shouting slogans against the ruling theocratic regime.

Internet connectivity has been partially restored, but experts are warning that, even on the other side of the digital blackout, the outlook for Iranian internet access remains bleak.

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