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.

The president threatened Iran with an approaching warship used in the U.S. military's Venezuela operation, urging them to make a nuclear deal.

President Trump has not authorized military action in Iran, but the U.S. has built up its presence in the region in recent days.

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

Iran-US tensions LIVE updates: While it is not known what Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Putin discussed during their meeting on Friday, AFP reported that Russia has offered to play the role of a mediator between the two nations.

The penalties are the latest by the United States and the European Union targeting high-ranking officials over the crackdown.

Iran would be unable to repel a possible US air attack but has the capability to retaliate against US military and commercial interests in the region, experts said.

Iran must forgo its nuclear program and stop the killing to avoid being attacked by U.S. forces massing in the Gulf, warned President Donald Trump.