Iran's president accused President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and European leaders of trying to "fragment society."

Analysts believe PM Netanyahu is urging the US towards maximalist strikes.

Trump said the fleet was larger than the one he sent to Venezuela, referring to his naval blockade of the South American country to prevent sanctioned oil tankers from leaving.

Many people in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried that Trump will make good on his threats to attack Iran again, but for some, it's fear laced with hope.

The US president says he has told Iran it has to do "two things" to avoid military action, as the US builds up its forces in the Gulf.

The Trump administration has targets but no endgame.

By Steve Holland and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to speak with Iran, even as the U.S. dispatched another warship to the Middle East and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the military would be ready to carry out whatever the president decided.

Oil rose slightly on signs the U.S. ‍may engage in dialogue with Iran over its nuclear program, reducing concern over potential supply disruptions from a U.S. attack.

U.S. allies and partners in the Middle East again are urging restraint from both the United States and Iran as the Trump administration warns of a possible strike and builds up its military presence in the region.

President Trump’s “massive armada” of warships and fighter planes near Iran mirrors the military buildup of assets in the Caribbean as the president weighs greenlighting strikes against the Islamic Republic.