The United States military is reportedly ready to carry out strikes on Iran as early as this weekend, but President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision. According to reports, the White House has been informed that American forces in the Middle East are prepared to act if the president gives approval.
The situation has raised global concern as tensions between the US and Iran continue to grow. While military preparations appear to be in place, diplomatic talks between the two countries are still ongoing. Officials say the coming days will be critical in deciding whether the crisis will move toward conflict or negotiations.
Earlier this week, representatives from the United States and Iran held indirect talks in Geneva. The discussions lasted for about three and a half hours. Instead of speaking face-to-face, both sides exchanged written messages through mediators. However, the meeting ended without any major breakthrough.
Iran’s chief negotiator said both sides agreed on a “set of guiding principles.” This suggests that some common ground may have been found. However, a US official said that many important details still need to be discussed before any real agreement can be reached.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran is expected to clarify its negotiating position in the coming weeks. When asked whether President Donald Trump would hold back military action during this time, she did not give a clear answer.
Senior national security officials met in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday to discuss the situation. The president was also briefed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner about recent contacts with Iran. Sources say Trump has been carefully weighing the risks and benefits of military action. He is consulting his advisers and close allies before making any decision.
Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, but uncertainty remains. It is not clear whether Trump will make a final decision before the weekend or wait for further developments in the talks.
Reports of a possible strike come after a noticeable increase in US military activity in the Middle East. More than 50 fighter jets have reportedly been sent to the region within a short period of time. These include advanced aircraft such as F-22, F-35 and F-16 fighter jets.
In addition to fighter jets, several aerial refuelling tankers have also been deployed. These tankers allow fighter aircraft to stay in the air for longer periods, suggesting that the US military is preparing for sustained operations if needed.
A US official told Axios that over 50 fighter jets were positioned in the region in just one day. Social media accounts that track military aircraft movements also reported unusual activity, including flights from US bases toward the Middle East.
The increased presence of air and naval forces has led to speculation that the US is preparing for a possible strike. However, officials have not confirmed any final orders for action.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel on February 28. During his trip, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and update him on the status of talks with Iran. Israel has long expressed concerns about Iran’s activities in the region, and any US military action would likely have major regional impact.
President Trump is said to be considering both the possible advantages and serious risks of launching a strike. Military action could send a strong message and possibly weaken Iran’s strategic position. However, it could also lead to retaliation, wider conflict in the Middle East, and global economic instability.
Experts warn that any direct conflict between the US and Iran could affect oil prices, global markets, and regional security. Countries in the Middle East are closely watching the developments, as tensions could quickly spread beyond the two nations involved.
At the same time, diplomatic channels remain open. Both sides appear willing to continue talks, even though progress has been slow. The next few days will be important in determining whether negotiations can move forward or whether tensions will escalate further.
For now, the US military remains on standby. The final decision rests with President Trump. As the weekend approaches, the world waits to see whether diplomacy will succeed or whether the crisis will enter a more dangerous phase.
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