Trump 'considering' limited military strike on Iran
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering a limited military strike on Iran to pressure its leaders into agreeing to a nuclear deal. This move comes after Trump suggested Iran had about 10 days to reach an agreement or face potential military action. The US has recently increased its military presence in the region, deploying prominent warships like the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln, alongside additional destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets.
The tensions arise as the US and its European allies suspect Iran is advancing toward developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. Talks between US officials and Iranian representatives are ongoing in Geneva, with progress reported but no final agreement reached yet. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that a draft proposal for a potential agreement will be shared with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Iran has bolstered its military infrastructure and issued warnings through social media, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasizing the danger of the US warship deployment. Trump’s communication style remains unpredictable, often keeping his plans close to his inner circle to avoid giving adversaries advance notice. However, any potential military action could face significant domestic challenges, as polls indicate growing public disapproval of Trump's handling of immigration and economic policies.
The situation is further complicated by the timing of a potential strike, which would occur
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026