The U.S. military is poised to strike Iran as early as this weekend. They are waiting for President Donald J. Trump to authorize the action, according to sources speaking with CNN.
In recent days there has been a significant buildup of air and naval vessels in the Middle East. CNN reported one source said privately, Trump has argued both sides of the military action and polled advisers and allies on the best course of action.
Iran Nuclear Negotiation
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran was expected to provide more details on its position in negotiations “in the next couple of weeks,” however, she did not state if Trump would pause the military action in the meantime. Leavitt did say, “diplomacy is always his first option” but military action is on the table.
On Feb. 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to provide an update on talks with Iran, according to CNN.
As previously discussed, Iran is fortifying several nuclear facilities with concrete and soil to bury key sites, according to satellite imagery and analysis from the Institute for Science and International Security.
On Tuesday, advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkodd met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghachi for three hours in Geneva. Both sides stated prpgress was made, however. wide gaps remain.
Vice President JD Vance said the talks “went well” in some ways, and “in other ways it was very clear that the President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.” He made it clear that even though Trump wants am agreement, he could determine diplomacy has “reached its natural end.”
US Military Presence
The USS Gerald Ford is the most advanced carrier group in the U.S. arsenal and could be in the region by this weekend. U.S. Air Force assets currently in the U.K. are repositioning toward the Middle East. These assets include refueling tankers and fighter jets, reports CNN.
The armada now includes two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and several defense systems once the new elements arrive.
Over 150 U.S. military cargo flights moved weapons systems and ammunition to the Middle East and in the last 24 hours, another 50 fighter jets, F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s have headed that way.
Some officials believe Trump will not strike Iran before Sunday, when the Winter Olympics conclude, as they are a symbol of global unity.
Additionally, Ramadan began on Wednesday. Trump has been advised that an attack during the Muslim holy month could convey disrespect.
Tuesday, Trump is delivering his State of the Union address, which will likely kickoff his message on domestic issues.
Trump has not garnered support from the public or Congress for an attack on Iran. He has hinted the desire for a regime change and insisted the Middle Eastern country not obtain nuclear weapons, but has not shared his objectives for ordering a strike.
U.S. officials say Iran has been given two weeks to provide a detailed proposal. The last time they were given a two-week window, three days in, Trump launched Operation Midnight Hammer.
What Military Action Would Look Like
If the U.S. strikes Iran, it would not be smooth and quiet like the operation in Venezuela. It would most likely be a weeks-long campaign of full-fledged war, according to sources who spoke with Axios.
It would likely be a joint U.S.-Israeli operation of a broader scope.
In early January, Trump came close to striking Iran after the regime killed thousands of demonstrators. Once the window of opportunity closed, Trump shifted his Iranian efforts toward nuclear talks and the massive military build-up.
He delayed the strike and invaded the area with great military force raising expectations for what the operation would look like if the two countries fail to reach an agreement.
Written by Jeanette Vietti
Sources:
CNN: US military prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, but Trump has yet to make a final call, sources say
USN News: Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Sailing in the Atlantic, Headed for Strait of Gibraltar
Axios: Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran
Featured Image Courtesy of NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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