US Forces Ready to Strike Iran This Weekend

Washington, VIVA – US forces have reportedly been positioned and ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, although President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision, Anadolu reported on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Citing a CNN report, the Turkish news agency stated that US forces have prepared for a possible strike on Iran within the coming days, following the deployment of air and naval assets to the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Trump held a meeting to review the latest developments regarding Iran and to consider next steps, including diplomatic negotiations and military options, according to a report by the news portal Axios as cited by Anadolu.

The meeting was attended by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, senior adviser Jared Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

They briefed Trump on nuclear talks with an Iranian delegation in Geneva this week and the possible options to be pursued.

Officials warned that military action against Iran risks triggering a regional conflict far broader than the limited operation in Venezuela last January.

During the meeting, Trump also received the latest update on negotiations concerning the Russia-Ukraine war and the inaugural session of the Trump-established Peace Council tasked with addressing the crisis in Gaza, Palestine.