US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Wednesday, suggesting that if Tehran does not agree to a set of US demands, Washington could soon launch an attack carried out with “speed and violence.”

Trump’s threat of a second US military strike against Iran within eight months came as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with other warships, bombers, and fighter jets, moved into position within striking distance of the country.

The US president did not provide details about the agreement he is demanding, saying only that a “massive armada” was heading toward Iran and that Tehran must reach a deal. However, according to US and European officials cited by the New York Times, Washington has put forward three key demands in its talks with Iran:

• A permanent halt to all uranium enrichment activities and the disposal of existing enriched uranium stockpiles
• Limits on the range and number of ballistic missiles
• An end to support for groups acting as Iran’s regional proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen

The New York Times notes, however, that there is no reference whatsoever to the protection of Iranian protesters who took to the streets in December—despite Trump’s previous public promises on social media to support them.

Analysis of the US Demands

According to the report, the first demand—ending all enrichment activities and eliminating current uranium stockpiles—would be difficult to verify. Under the 2015 nuclear deal with the Obama administration, Iran gave up about 97% of its uranium stockpiles, which were shipped out of the country. The main enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow were heavily damaged last June and are unlikely to resume operations.

However, uranium enrichment can still be carried out in small, easily concealed facilities. If Iran were to regain access to uranium enriched to 60% purity—just below weapons-grade—that was buried during the strikes, it could theoretically produce enough fuel for several nuclear weapons. So far, US and European intelligence agencies say there is no evidence Iran has accessed that material.

The second demand—to limit the range and number of ballistic missiles—would make it nearly impossible for Iran to strike Israeli territory. These missiles are Iran’s primary deterrent against potential future attacks by Israel. While such an attack does not appear imminent, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of renewed strikes if Iran rearms.

The third demand—ending support for Iran’s proxy forces—is considered the easiest for Tehran to meet. Iran’s economy is severely weakened, its currency has fallen to record lows, and the government has limited resources to support former allies who are already under heavy Israeli pressure.

The Venezuela Precedent

According to the New York Times, Trump appears encouraged by what he sees as success in Venezuela and has used the implicit threat of a similar “decapitation strategy” against Iran’s leadership to intimidate the regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to American lawmakers, said the military buildup around Iran is largely defensive, as tens of thousands of US troops in the region are within range of Iranian one-way drones and ballistic missiles. He called the increased US presence “wise and prudent,” while noting that American forces could also act preemptively if necessary.

“I hope it does not come to that,” Rubio said. However, he added that if the Iranian regime were to fall, there is no clear answer.