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White House presses Iran to make deal, while ramping up military presence

February 19, 2026

The White House has urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal as President Trump considers potential military strikes against Iranian facilities, with reports suggesting an attack could occur as soon as Saturday. While indirect talks in Geneva showed modest progress on framework principles for resolving the nuclear dispute, US officials acknowledge the two sides remain far apart on key issues. The US is significantly increasing its military presence in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers including the USS Abraham Lincoln and the massive USS Gerald R Ford, with all forces expected in position by mid-March.

Who is affected

  • Iran (Islamic Republic government and military forces)
  • President Donald Trump and his administration
  • US military personnel being deployed to the Middle East region
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
  • Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (serving as mediator)
  • Israel (potentially involved in US decision-making)
  • Gulf Arab states that rely on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports

What action is being taken

  • The US is moving a second battleship (USS Gerald R Ford) into the Middle East region
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently positioned near Iran
  • Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is conducting maritime drills in the Strait of Hormuz
  • The US and Iran are engaged in indirect talks (mediated by Oman) in Geneva
  • Iran is fortifying sensitive military sites
  • Trump is discussing attack options with advisers

Why it matters

  • This situation carries significant global implications due to the potential for military conflict in a strategically critical region that controls major oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The dispute centers on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which US and European allies suspect is Tehran's goal despite denials. Any military strikes could destabilize the Middle East, disrupt global energy markets, and potentially trigger broader regional conflict. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether diplomacy can prevent another war in the Middle East or whether military action becomes inevitable.

What's next

  • Iran is expected to provide the US with more detailed responses in the next couple of weeks
  • All US military forces are expected to be in place in the region by mid-March
  • The USS Gerald R Ford is expected to arrive in the region within the next three weeks
  • President Trump will continue monitoring how diplomatic efforts unfold before making a final decision on potential military strikes

Read full article from source: BBC