Trump appears to set Iran 10-day deadline, deploys vast Middle East force
South China Morning Post
by BloombergFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US military has significantly bolstered its presence in the Middle East, deploying a substantial force including two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and refueling tankers. This deployment, unprecedented since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, dwarfs earlier efforts like the build-up near Venezuela before President Nicolas Maduro’s ousting. While ground troops are unlikely, the scale of the operation suggests President Donald Trump is preparing for a sustained campaign against Iran, potentially lasting multiple days in collaboration with Israel.
Trump has warned Iran that it must reach a nuclear deal within 10 days or face “bad things,” signaling a possible deadline for military action. This contrasts with last June’s limited strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and reflects Trump’s broader strategy to pressure Tehran into concessions. The build-up raises questions about whether Iran can meet Trump’s demands or if the US will feel compelled to act due to its overwhelming military presence in the region.
The situation is highly significant for global stability, as it marks a dramatic escalation in US-Iran tensions. While Trump has previously hinted at diplomacy, the scale of the deployment indicates a shift toward a more aggressive posture. Observers are closely monitoring whether Iran will comply or if this could spiral into broader regional conflict, with potentially far-reaching consequences for international relations and Middle East stability.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/19/2026