Donald Trump has laid out his key demands to Iranian officials as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group continues to sail towards the Gulf

The president advised Iran make a deal or "the next attack will be far worse."

By Steve Holland and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to speak with Iran, even as the U.S. dispatched another warship to the Middle East and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the military would be ready to carry out whatever the president decided.

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

The president threatened Iran with an approaching warship used in the U.S. military's Venezuela operation, urging them to make a nuclear deal.

The U.S. president said he has sent a "massive Armada" to Iran in his latest warning.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday it should "make a deal" with the U.S. on its nuclear program or face a large-scale U.S. military attack.

Trump said the fleet was larger than the one he sent to Venezuela, referring to his naval blockade of the South American country to prevent sanctioned oil tankers from leaving.

He says a "massive Armada" is "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran.

Iran-US news live updates: US President Donald Trump is weighing an expanded set of military options against Iran, including possible commando operations at nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, Iran security officials reportedly detained thousands of people to stop further protests.