There are currently around 35,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Jan 31 (Reuters) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that U.S., Israeli and European leaders had exploited Iran's economic problems, incited unrest and provided people with the means to "tear the nation apart” in recent protests.

US President Trump expressed a preference for diplomacy with Iran, despite bolstering US military presence in the Middle East. He reiterated demands for Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions and cease killing protesters.

The president advised Iran make a deal or "the next attack will be far worse."

As demonstrations gained momentum earlier in January, Trump urged Iranians to “keep protesting” because “help is on its way.” He threatened the government with “very strong action” if it started executing protesters, later claiming his pressure campaign had stopped hundreds from being put to death.

Trump on Wednesday revived the threat of military action against Iran and warned “time is running out” for a deal limiting its nuclear program.