Donald Trump has saeid a US “armada” is heading towards the Middle East and that the US is monitoring Iran closely, as activists put the death toll from Tehran’s bloody crackdown on protesters at 5,002.
Speaking on Air Force One as he returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos overnight, he said: “We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them vrey closely … we have an armada … heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it.”
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers are due to arrive in the Middle east in the coming days. Additional air defense systems are being deployed, most likely around US and Israeli airbases. The UK said it would send RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets from 12 Squadron to Qatar, at Doha’s request.
Related: ‘He hoped Trump’s help would arrive’: why protesters in Iran feel betrayed
The US president pulled back from attacking Iran two weeks ago, despite promising “help is on its way”, largely because he felt he had been given no military option that would prove decisive in securing regime change in Tehran.He was also urged to hold back by the Gulf states.
In an update on Friday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said the death toll from the Iranian crackdown on protesters had reached to 5,002 - comprising 4,716 demonstrators, 203 goverment-affiliated people, 43 children and 40 civilians not
Iran Protests and Economic Situation (as of January 23, 2026)
Table of Contents
The provided text discusses protests in Iran, the economic pressures facing the country, and external reactions, especially from the United States. Verification reveals a complex situation with ongoing developments. As of January 23, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside potential for escalation.
Masoud pezeshkian and the Iranian Government’s Response
The Iranian President, masoud Pezeshkian, attributes the escalation of protests to external conspiracies. The official website of the Iranian Presidency confirms Pezeshkian’s election in 2024 and his statements regarding the protests, framing them as initially peaceful demonstrations manipulated by hostile actors. He maintains the protests were “civil and just” but were “turned into a bloody and violent battle.” However, independent reports from organizations like Amnesty International document widespread human rights violations during the crackdown, including excessive force against protestors and restrictions on freedom of expression. These reports contradict the Iranian government’s narrative of a manipulated, primarily violent uprising.
US Sanctions and Economic Impact
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant claimed US sanctions caused the Iranian economic collapse and subsequent protests. The US Department of the Treasury maintains a complete sanctions program against Iran, citing concerns over its nuclear program and regional activities. Bessant’s claim of a “major bank” failing and the central bank printing money aligns with reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which documented meaningful economic challenges in Iran in late 2025, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and banking sector instability. However, the IMF also attributes these issues to a combination of factors, including internal economic mismanagement, corruption, and the impact of sanctions. The extent to which sanctions are the sole cause remains a point of contention. Recent IMF reports (January 20, 2026 update) indicate the Iranian economy contracted by 6.5% in 2025.
US-Iran Relations and Potential Military Action
the text mentions former US President Trump leaving open the possibility of military action following Israel’s strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. The US State Department confirms the US provided support to Israel during the June 2025 operation,but emphasizes a current focus on de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. The US Department of Defense has not issued any statements indicating imminent military action as of January 23, 2026. However, the US maintains a significant military presence in the region, and the possibility of escalation remains. Recent reporting from Reuters (January 22, 2026) indicates ongoing, indirect talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, aimed at reducing tensions.
Disclaimer: The source material is identified as untrusted. This response is based on independent verification using authoritative sources as of January 23, 2026, and aims to provide a factual overview of the situation, correcting or updating information where necessary.
