‘A war will start’: Iranians on edge as Trump’s ‘armada’ closes in
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Iranians are bracing themselves amid concerns that a US-led military campaign could spark a devastating war. With the United States assembling its largest naval fleet in decades in the region, eyes are on the upcoming Geneva talks between Iran and the US, seen as a critical opportunity to avoid conflict. Many fear that failure to reach an agreement could lead to widespread violence surpassing even the bloody conflicts of the 1980s.
Iranian society is deeply divided over the potential for war, with hardline supporters of the regime coexisting alongside those who see the country fracturing under decades of sanctions and internal strife. The recent protests and crackdowns have only heightened tensions, with estimates of deaths ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. This comes as Iran continues to reel from its conflict with Israel in June and last month’s violent suppression of dissent.
The stakes are high for global stability. A US-Iran war could destabilize the Middle East further, impact global oil supplies, and strain international relations. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential for widespread consequences beyond Iran's borders.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026