19 February,2026 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The President “has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed”. PIC/AFP
Amid escalating tensions and ongoing indirect nuclear talks, a rapid military buildup by the United States (US) in the Middle East has reached a stage where President Donald Trump could authorise strikes against Iran as soon as this weekend, a report citing administration and Pentagon officials stated on Thursday.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday (local time) that the current military posture gives President Trump the flexibility to target Iran's nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, and launch sites.
However, the President "has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed", the daily said.
The buildup has persisted despite indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran in Geneva on Tuesday. Iran's Foreign Minister stated there was agreement on a "set of guiding principles", while US officials noted progress but highlighted that "significant gaps remain".
Trump has consistently demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear programme, including halting uranium enrichment, and has warned of severe consequences if his terms are not met.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised diplomacy as the priority. "The President has always been very clear, though, with respect to Iran or any country around the world, diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration," she said.
She added: "He's always thinking about what's in the best interest of the United States of America, of our military, of the American people, and that's how he makes decisions with respect to military action."
The New York Times detailed the buildup, which includes more than 50 additional fighter jets, dozens of refuelling tankers, and two aircraft carrier strike groups.
USS Gerald R Ford is approaching Gibraltar en route to join USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, the report added.
US officials told the newspaper that the deployment also features Patriot missile defence systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to counter potential Iranian ballistic missiles. Additional F-35, F-22, and F-16 jets have been moved from the US to Europe and then to the Middle East, with refuelling aircraft repositioned for sustained operations.
One military official quoted by the paper said the US could now protect its troops, allies, and assets from Iranian retaliation, at least in a short campaign. However, the official cautioned that readiness for a prolonged or wider war remains uncertain.
Israeli forces are also preparing for possible coordinated action. Israeli defence officials, cited by The New York Times, indicated planning for a multi-day operation to deliver a severe blow and push Iran toward concessions at the negotiating table.
The report referenced last June's 12-day conflict, during which Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, declaring the programme "obliterated." Senior national security officials have advised the President that any operation to change Iranian leadership is not guaranteed to succeed.
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened regional risks, with multiple US media outlets - including CNN and CBS News - echoing that military readiness for potential action could align with this weekend, though no final decision has been taken.
(With IANS inputs)
