Ex-CIA agent claims US has decided on imminent strike against Iran
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former CIA officer, John Kiriakou, has claimed that the United States has finalized plans to launch a military strike against Iran as early as next week. Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou cited information from a fellow former intelligence official who recently visited the White House. He emphasized caution regarding President Trump's 10-day deadline for Tehran to accept US demands, noting that such deadlines often precede unexpected military actions.
Kiriakou highlighted divisions within Washington over potential military intervention, mentioning anti-war figures like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others as opponents, while pro-intervention voices include Senator Marco Rubio and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He linked the reported stance of the Joint Chiefs to leadership changes under Trump, suggesting they may have been selected for their political loyalty.
US forces are being repositioned across the Middle East, with hundreds of personnel moved from Al Udeid Air Base and other regional sites. Analysts note that 30,000–40,000 US troops in the region could become immediate targets in any conflict. Iran has warned that all US bases, facilities, and assets would be legitimate targets if attacked.
Washington is strengthening its defenses by deploying additional air-defence systems and positioning aircraft carriers farther from Iranian territory to minimize exposure to retaliation. Kiriakou also suggested that the timing of government disclosures, such as the expected release of UFO-related files, could serve as a distraction amid rising tensions. This development underscores the potential for escalation in the US-Iran nuclear standoff, with significant implications for regional stability and global security.
This situation matters to readers interested in world affairs as it highlights the fragile state of US-Iran relations and the potential for further conflict in the Middle East. The claims come amid heightened military preparedness and strategic posturing, raising concerns about the region's stability and the broader impact on international politics.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026