U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday told troops that instilling "fear" in Tehran might be necessary to reach a resolution with Iran, which he said has been "difficult" in negotiations, after confirming sending the second U.S. aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

"Sometimes you have to have fear. That's the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of," Trump said at a rally-style speech at Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina on Friday, before an audience of troops.

"They've been difficult to make a deal [with]," Trump commented on Iran after boasting of sending a "very big carrier group" to the region. 

"I thought we would have had a deal last time; they wish they did," said Trump, referencing the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear site last June.

Earlier, Trump confirmed sending the second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's biggest aircraft carrier, will be leaving the Caribbean for the Middle East "very soon," according to Trump on Friday. 

The deployment of the carrier Gerald R. Ford will mean two U.S. carriers are deployed in the Middle East, the first such deployment since June 2025, when the U.S. launched its strike on Iranian nuclear sites. 

"In case we don't make a deal, we'll need it," Trump said, responding to a reporter at the White House. "If we need it, we'll have it ready."

The U.S. military is also reported to be preparing for a sustained, week-long operation targeting Iran, according to Reuters, citing two anonymous U.S. officials.

Trump on Thursday said he hoped the U.S. and Iran could reach a deal over the next month, while warning of "very traumatic" consequences if the negotiations fail. 

Iran and the U.S. diplomat held indirect talks in Oman on February 6, with both sides showing openness for continued dialogue.

Wei Dongxu, special commentator for CMG, analyzed the deployment, highlighting three key points:

First, the advanced nuclear-powered carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, significantly boosting U.S. strike capabilities with over 120 carrier-based aircraft available. This reinforces Washington's deterrence posture during negotiations.

Second, despite the Ford's history of technical issues, the U.S. Navy aims to demonstrate its operational readiness and capability to conduct major missions.

Third, the dual-carrier presence escalates regional tensions rather than easing them, potentially preparing the ground for larger-scale military options.

The move underscores U.S. efforts to leverage military assets in diplomatic engagements while raising concerns over further instability in the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)