Trump says another US ‘armada’ heading toward Iran amid mounting tensions

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that an additional “armada” of American naval vessels is heading toward Iran “right now,” as tensions remain high between the two countries.

His remarks a day after US Central Command announced that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group had arrived in the Middle East.

“There's another beautiful armada floating beautifully toward Iran right now,Trump said at a rally in the US state of Iowa.

"I hope they make a deal," Trump added.

Tensions between the US and Iran have sharply escalated in recent weeks following an Iranian crackdown on anti-government protests, prompting threats of possible US military action.

Human rights organizations say the crackdown has resulted in thousands of deaths, raising international alarm.

Trump earlier promised Iranian protesters that “help is on its way.”