Donald Trump has sent a stern four-word warning to Iran – hours after he confirmed the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. “It’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad,” Trump warned, adding the additional carrier would be sent to the region “in case we don’t make a deal”.

Trump said he still believes diplomacy could succeed but warned of consequences if negotiations collapse. “I think they’ll be successful. If they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran, very bad,” he said. The US has intensified pressure on Tehran following last month’s deadly crackdown on protests. Speaking on Thursday, Trump said he expects progress on a nuclear agreement within weeks. “I guess over the next month, something like that,” he said when asked about the timeline. “It should happen quickly. They should agree very quickly.”

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The President also raised the prospect of regime change, saying a shift in power in Tehran “would be the best thing that could happen”.

His comments came as Washington increases military pressure in the region, with a second aircraft carrier group being deployed to join US naval forces already operating near Iran.

Speaking after visiting troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Trump said Iran’s leaders had spent decades “talking and talking and talking” while conflict in the region continued.

He added the additional carrier deployment was intended as leverage in nuclear negotiations, saying it would be ready “if we need it” should talks fail.

The President did not announce any immediate military action but signalled Washington is prepared to escalate if diplomacy collapses.

He said he expects progress on a nuclear agreement within weeks, adding: “I guess over the next month, something like that.”

Gulf Arab states have warned any military confrontation could spark a wider regional conflict as tensions remain high across the Middle East.

The standoff has intensified after US forces shot down an Iranian drone near a carrier group and Tehran attempted to stop a US-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The additional deployment was first revealed by The New York Times, and Trump suggested the carrier group would be pulled back if diplomacy succeeds.

“If we have a deal, it’ll be leaving very soon,” he said.

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