US-Iran Tensions Near Breaking Point
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Teheran
- Feb 19, 2026
- 578
Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating sharply, with reports suggesting that Washington could initiate military action in the coming days, pending final approval from President Donald Trump. According to CNN, preparations for a potential strike are already well underway.
The United States has reportedly assembled its largest air deployment in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War. Multiple squadrons of advanced fighter aircraft — including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s, and F-16s — have been positioned in the region. Command-and-control aircraft essential for coordinating large-scale operations have also been deployed, alongside reinforced air defense systems.
A report by Axios indicates that any American military operation would be extensive, potentially lasting several weeks. It would surpass the scale of last month’s limited action in Venezuela and could be conducted in coordination with Israel. Likely targets include Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure.
Speaking in Washington, President Trump stated that Iran must choose to align with the path pursued by the United States. “It would be good if Iran joined us. If they don’t, that’s fine too, but then the path will be completely different. They cannot continue to threaten regional stability,” he said.
Amos Yadlin, former head of Israel’s military intelligence, warned that the risk of conflict is greater than ever. While the situation is deteriorating rapidly, he noted that major powers do not enter wars impulsively and that diplomatic avenues have not yet been fully exhausted. However, Trump’s assertion that “all options are open” suggests serious military readiness.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have intensified. On Tuesday, Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held nearly three hours of talks in Geneva with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both sides acknowledged limited progress, though U.S. officials expressed skepticism about bridging substantial differences.
Vice President J.D. Vance stated that while discussions were constructive in certain areas, Iran remains unwilling to accept the president’s “red lines.” He added that although Trump prefers a negotiated settlement, diplomacy may be approaching its limits.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East has expanded considerably. Two aircraft carriers, nearly a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and extensive air defense systems have been deployed. Open-source tracking suggests more than 150 cargo flights carrying weapons and ammunition have arrived in the region, along with over 50 additional fighter jets.
Advisers close to Trump reportedly estimate a high probability of military action within weeks. Israeli officials have also indicated that preparations are underway for a potential conflict “within days,” advocating decisive measures to counter Iran’s regional influence.
The crisis is further complicated by recent regional developments. Iran and Russia have announced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards recently conducted military drills near the Strait of Hormuz, briefly disrupting maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz — approximately 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point — is a critical artery for global energy supplies. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through the strait, including exports from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Iran, much of it destined for Asian markets. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that while limited pipeline alternatives exist, no viable replacement for the route currently matches its capacity.
At the heart of the standoff lies Iran’s ballistic missile program, now the central obstacle in nuclear negotiations. Tehran has categorically refused to discuss curbs on its missile capabilities, describing them as a non-negotiable element of national defense. Iranian officials maintain that discussions must remain confined strictly to nuclear matters, rejecting U.S. demands to address missile development and Tehran’s support for regional proxy groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
As diplomatic channels narrow and military deployments intensify, the region stands at a precarious crossroads, with the prospect of confrontation appearing closer than at any time in recent years.