President Trump speaking [Reuters=Yonhap News] 

U.S. President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Iran, with whom the United States is conducting nuclear negotiations, stating on February 12 (local time), "They must reach an agreement very quickly."

Speaking to reporters at the White House on the same day, President Trump said, "We have to make a deal. Otherwise, a very traumatic situation will occur."

The U.S., which has resumed nuclear negotiations with Iran after an eight-month hiatus, is continuing its "two-track" approach of applying military pressure while simultaneously pursuing dialogue.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the previous day that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing to send a second carrier strike group to the Middle East, following the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the region.

President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, a post linking to the WSJ report.

In his Q&A session, President Trump stated, "I will talk to them as long as I want, and we will see if a deal can be made. If it cannot, we will have to move to Phase Two. Phase Two will be very difficult for them. I don't want that situation."

Regarding the timeline for negotiations with Iran, he said, "I guess, over the next month."

Meanwhile, the WSJ reported that as Iranian authorities killed thousands of anti-government protesters and shut down internet access in January to control public opinion, the Trump administration secretly smuggled approximately 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran.

While the Trump administration has consistently denied Iran's claims that the U.S. is backing anti-government protests, the WSJ stated that this terminal support indicates covert backing for anti-government activities.

Separately, President Trump reiterated his position that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be pardoned in relation to his ongoing trial for personal corruption charges in Israel.

President Trump criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not exercising his pardon powers, saying, "He should be ashamed of himself."

Prime Minister Netanyahu closely cooperated with the United States during last year's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and recently met with President Trump to discuss the situation regarding the Iran nuclear negotiations.

When asked if he knew that Secretary Howard Lutnick had visited the private island of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump replied, "I did not know," adding, "I've never spoken to him about it."

He continued, "From what I understand, he was there with his wife and children. I have never been there."