WASHINGTON – The United States is weighing a potential military strike on Iran as diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal stall, with President Donald Trump now possessing the military option to act as early as this weekend. The rapid buildup of U.S. Forces in the Middle East has reached a point where a strike on Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and launch sites is now feasible, according to administration and Pentagon officials.
While President Trump has not yet made a final decision, the developments underscore the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Indirect talks between U.S. And Iranian delegations in Geneva on February 17th yielded what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described as a “set of guiding principles,” but U.S. Officials indicated significant gaps remain.
The Trump administration has consistently demanded that Iran curtail its nuclear program, including halting uranium enrichment. This stance is further complicated by the concerns of Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been urging action to weaken Iran’s missile capabilities. Israeli forces have been on heightened alert for weeks and a security cabinet meeting was moved forward, signaling increased preparation for potential conflict.
Many within the administration, however, remain skeptical about the prospects for a diplomatic resolution. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on February 18th that while “some progress” was made in the Geneva talks, “We find still a lot of details to discuss.” She reiterated that President Trump prioritizes diplomacy but keeps military options open, emphasizing that he is “always thinking about what’s in the best interest of the United States of America.”
The potential for a joint U.S.-Israeli strike is being actively planned, with the goal of forcing Iran into concessions it has so far refused to make. Possible targets include short and medium-range missiles, storage depots, nuclear sites, and facilities belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The ultimate scope of any potential operation would be determined by President Trump.
The current military buildup represents a significant shift from earlier this year, when the Pentagon lacked the necessary air defenses and fighter jets to effectively respond to a potential Iranian retaliation. Over the past month, the U.S. Military has deployed Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to the region, capable of intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles. Dozens of additional F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighter jets have also been moved to the Middle East, along with dozens of refueling planes crucial for a sustained air campaign.
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is en route to the Mediterranean, expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region. Officials suggest the Ford will likely be positioned near the coast of Israel to defend against potential attacks on Israeli cities and towns.
Despite the military preparations, the risks of a military confrontation remain substantial. A potential Iranian response could include a barrage of missile strikes against Israel and U.S. Forces in the region. Experts caution that a prolonged conflict could be difficult to sustain, and that attacking Iran carries inherent uncertainties.
Vali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University, noted that while diplomacy may provide time for the U.S. Military to prepare, it also allows Iran to plan its retaliation. “” he added, “the president has to weigh the cost of attacking Iran. Ironically his approach has made those costs more likely.”
This situation unfolds as President Trump, who campaigned on a promise to avoid foreign entanglements, considers what would be at least the seventh U.S. Military action in another country during his presidency, and his second against Iran. In June 2025, following strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, President Trump declared Iran’s nuclear program “obliterated,” but now contemplates further military action.
