Trump Weighs Targeted Military Action Against Iran Amid Tensions

Feb 23, 2026, 2:57 AM

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President Donald Trump has confirmed he is considering a targeted military strike against Iran, aimed at pressuring the country to agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program. During a recent meeting with state governors at the White House, Trump stated, "I guess I can say I am considering that," in response to queries about potential military action against Tehran.

The US military is significantly ramping up its presence in the Middle East, with aircraft deployments at bases in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Financial Times. This buildup reflects the heightened tensions between the two nations, particularly as indirect talks aimed at resolving their differences are set to resume in Geneva shortly.

In the latest discussions, Iran's delegation has committed to presenting a detailed proposal, although the US demands remain stringent. Washington seeks to halt Iran's support for radical groups in the region, limit its missile range to ensure Israel's safety, and curtail uranium enrichment activities. However, Iran has firmly rejected the notion of ceasing its ballistic missile program and insists on its right to uranium enrichment as a signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Trump's strategy may involve a targeted strike against specific Iranian military or government targets. Should this initial attack fail to yield the desired diplomatic results, the Pentagon is prepared to escalate with subsequent, larger strikes. The military options under consideration include actions that could target individual leaders within the Iranian regime and potentially lead to regime change if ordered by the President.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has warned that any US military action will elicit a strong response from Tehran. "If you speak to us with the language of force, we will also respond using your same language," Araghchi stated, emphasizing Iran's commitment to defending its sovereignty and interests.

Currently, the US military has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, accompanied by three destroyers, while the USS Gerald Ford is also en route. This deployment is part of a larger military strategy that includes the introduction of approximately 50 military aircraft, including F-22s and other support systems.

As the situation continues to develop, the potential for military conflict remains a pressing concern. The US is signaling its readiness for a serious confrontation with Iran, should diplomatic efforts falter. The unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance between military readiness and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions as both nations navigate their complex relationship amidst escalating tensions.

In summary, President Trump's contemplation of a targeted strike against Iran marks a significant moment in US-Iran relations, with implications that could extend far beyond initial military action. As negotiations resume, the world watches closely for developments in this fraught geopolitical landscape, where the threat of military action looms large amid the backdrop of nuclear diplomacy.

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