Trump Weighs Limited Strike on Iran as Nuclear Deadline Looms

Key Facts

Published: February 19, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wall Street Journal

• Initial targets could include select military or government sites
• Broader campaign possible if Tehran refuses nuclear demands
• Major U.S. military buildup underway in Middle East
• Iran threatens forceful retaliation against American assets

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump is weighing an initial, limited military strike on Iran aimed at forcing Tehran to meet U.S. demands for a comprehensive nuclear agreement, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The proposed opening assault would target select military or government facilities and could come within days if authorized, people familiar with the matter said. Officials described the potential action as a calibrated pressure tactic—designed to compel Iran to end uranium enrichment and return to serious negotiations—while stopping short of a full-scale war that could provoke sweeping retaliation.

If Iran refuses to comply, U.S. officials indicated Washington could escalate to a broader campaign against regime infrastructure, potentially aimed at weakening or toppling the Tehran government.

Trump has not made a final decision. On Thursday, he told reporters he would determine his next steps within “about two weeks,” adding, “We’re going to make a deal or get a deal one way or the other.”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly declined to comment on specific military options, saying only that “only President Trump knows what he may or may not do.”

Military Buildup Intensifies

The deliberations are unfolding against the backdrop of a significant U.S. military buildup across the Middle East. Cutting-edge F-35 and F-22 fighter jets have been repositioned to the region, with more than 50 aircraft reportedly moved in recent days. A second aircraft carrier strike group is now en route, further reinforcing American naval power. In addition, command-and-control aircraft—critical for coordinating complex air campaigns—along with advanced air defense systems have been deployed. The scale and pace of these movements represent one of the most concentrated displays of U.S. airpower in the region in recent years.

Diplomatic Efforts Stall

At the same time, diplomatic efforts appear to be faltering. Senior U.S. officials recently met with Iranian counterparts, pressing for an end to Tehran’s nuclear enrichment activities, tighter restrictions on its ballistic missile program, and a halt to its support for regional armed proxies. Iran has rejected sweeping concessions and continues to deny that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, deepening the impasse between the two sides.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. strike would be met with “maximum force,” threatening American naval assets in the region.

Echoes of Past Strategy

The limited-strike option mirrors internal debates during Trump’s first term about delivering a “bloody nose” strike against North Korea. At that time, the administration ultimately chose diplomacy over military action.

Whether Trump pursues a similar path with Iran—or opts for escalation—remains uncertain. Officials say options under review range from a brief, targeted strike to a sustained campaign designed to force regime change.

With negotiations stalled and U.S. forces positioned across the region, the coming days could prove decisive.

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