US President Donald Trump on Friday embraced the idea of regime change in Iran, telling reporters it "seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," as Washington continues talks with Tehran while also upping its military presence in the region.
When asked what Iran should do to avoid attack, Trump said that Iran would need to "give us the right deal," but that, despite Iran being willing to talk, historically, they haven't agreed to give the right deals.
"For 47 years they've been talking and talking, and in the meantime we've lost a lot of lives," Trump said.
Setting course for the Persian Gulf
On Thursday, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, was reported to receive instructions to set course for the Persian Gulf in order to bolster forces in the Middle East. Currently, the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln is in the region alongside several other vessels.
When asked for comment on sending a second aircraft carrier on Friday responded that "in case we don't make a deal, we'll need it."
The president added that if a deal was made, the trip could be cut short, and that the aircraft carrier would be leaving "very soon."
Trump said he had a deadline for Iran, but did not specify further.
Reuters contributed to this report.