Tensions have been mounting between the United States and Iran, which has pushed the West Asia into a fresh phase of uncertainty in February 2026. The White House has told Iran that it would be smart to reach an agreement with the United States. This warning comes as reports say President Donald Trump is considering new military action against Iran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump still prefers a diplomatic solution. She said he wants the issue over Iran’s nuclear programme to be resolved through talks, not war. The United States has sent more warships into the West Asia as tensions with Iran rise. This comes a day after officials said there was some progress in talks between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland.
According to BBC, Trump had not yet made a final decision about whether to attack and ongoing conversations were described as fluid. However, Leavitt had indicated “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran”. She referred to US strikes in June, adding: “Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with his administration.”
Pentagon has stepped up its military presence in the region
International media reports say that US forces may be ready to take military action on February 21 or 22 which falls on the weekend. However, no final decision has been announced yet by the US
Additionally, talking about the Pentagon, its military presence in the region has been increased. It has sent a second aircraft carrier group, and the USS Gerald R. Ford is moving towards the area. More fighter jets such as F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, along with several warships, have also been deployed near the Gulf.
What the Security Analysts say about the Military Deployment
Security analysts say this marks one of the largest US military build-ups in the West Asia since the 2003 Iraq war, signaling the seriousness of the current stand-off. It will join other U.S. warships already deployed near Iran, including destroyers that carry guided missiles and smaller littoral combat ships that can operate in shallow waters. Citing multiple US officials, CBS news reported that the Pentagon will temporarily withdraw some personnel from the West Asia to US or Europe within three days ahead of possible US action and potential Iranian retaliation, CBS reported, citing multiple US officials.
What Tehran Told the UN
In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran said it does not want to start a war. However, it warned that if it is attacked, it will respond strongly and in a balanced way to defend itself.
In the letter they categorically stated that if they are attacked, all the U.S. bases, military facilities and assets in the region could become targets. It also warned that the United States would be fully responsible for any serious or unexpected consequences.
Impact on Potential US Military Action
The possibility of US military action against Tehran has begun to affect oil prices and heightened tensions across the West Asia. President Donald Trump’s warning of potential bombing, even as talks over Iran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved, has pushed global oil prices higher. Meanwhile, a Russian warship joined scheduled Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, a key route for global energy shipments.
Iranian and US officials held talks on Tuesday. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two sides agreed on certain basic principles. However, the White House indicated that significant differences remain on several key issues.
What the United States is asking Iran to do
The United States wants Iran to completely stop enriching uranium. Uranium enrichment is used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants, but it can also be used to make nuclear weapons.
The U.S. and its ally Israel also want Iran to stop developing long-range ballistic missiles. They want Iran to end its support for armed groups in the West Asia and stop using force against people protesting inside the country.
Iran has said it will only talk about its nuclear programme. It has refused to discuss its missile programme and calls any demand to limit it a red line.
In a letter to UN Security Council, Iran
blasts Trump's comments about using Diego Garcia base to strike Iran, saying that “in such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets” in Iran’s response. pic.twitter.com/nrX3uRahDe— Farnoush Amiri (@FarnoushAmiri) February 19, 2026
Satellite images show that Iran has been repairing and strengthening some nuclear and missile sites since last summer. The images also show activity at U.S. military bases in the West Asia in recent weeks.
Iran has also been holding naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman. Russia joined one of these drills. Iranian state television showed special forces taking part in the exercises using helicopters and ships.
