The geopolitical tension is once again building in the Middle East, with the US military preparing to potentially strike Iran this weekend. Sources like CNN reported the buildup happening near the Muslim country, but the decision on the strike is still unclear from Donald Trump.
US to Strike Iran Possibly this Weekend
According to the CNN report, the US has stationed its most substantial military force near Iran, possibly for a strike. This is the biggest deployment since 2003, and the attack could happen as early as this weekend, February 21, 2026.
Notably, President Donald Trump has connected with advisors and foreign leaders to discuss the implications of the military action and other scenarios. Additionally, top administration national security officials met on Wednesday in the White House Situation Room to discuss the situation.
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A source claimed that special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and the president’s son-in-law had briefed Trump on the indirect talks with Iran a day earlier.
Military Readiness and Assets
The US military buildup includes 13 warships, which are already stationed in the Middle East. This fleet includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which is reportedly within 700 km of the Iranian coast, with nine destroyers and three littoral combat ships.
A second carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford ( the world’s largest), is also expected to arrive within weeks. Three more destroyers will accompany the carrier. Dozens of F-22 Raptors, F-35s, and B-2 stealth bombers have been repositioned closer to Iran.
Notably, Flight-tracking data shows E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft and other support planes operating in the region. This suggests that the strike could continue for weeks instead of just the weekend’s single strike.
Donald Trump Remains Undecided on Iran Strike
Sources add that the White House has been briefed on the military movements and the situation of the attack. However, Donald Trump is still in discussion over the decision, as reportedly he is arguing for both for and against military action.
On Tuesday, Iranian and US negotiators passed notes for three-and-a-half hours, but no clear resolution was made. Iran’s top negotiator claimed that both sides have agreed upon a set of guidelines, but an American official said there’s more to discuss.
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On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that military action remains firmly on the table even though diplomacy is Trump’s first option. She further added, “There are many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran.”
Her ambiguous statement is building tension globally. Note that despite all these moves, analysts believe the weekend strike is more of a psychological operation aimed to force Iran’s hand in the final days of the Geneva negotiations.
Iran has been given until the end of February to accept the offered major concession on its nuclear program.
Others added that the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is a representation of global unity, so the strike won’t happen until its closing date, February 22, 2026.
Iran Intensifies Defense Preparations
The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) and Reuters report reveal that Iran has begun the construction of soil and concrete shields over sensitive facilities. This includes the Taleghan 2 site near Parchin.
Even the tunnel entrances at the Isfahan nuclear complex are being buried in the soil, while the sites near the Natanz are hardened. Iran is also rebuilding missile bases in Shiraz South and Qom, which were impacted by Israel’s strike last year.
A forensic imagery analyst, William Goodhind, explains that “Backfilling the tunnel entrances would help dampen potential airstrikes and make ground access difficult.”