The United States is considering a possible military strike on Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, CNN reported. The prospect of action comes even as US and Iranian officials continue nuclear talks in Geneva, where progress has been described as limited.
At the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said there had been “a little bit of progress” in the discussions but admitted the two sides remain “far apart” on key issues. She reiterated that diplomacy is the administration’s first choice, while cautioning that Iran would be wise to reach a deal.
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Talks inch forward, but mistrust runs deep
The Geneva meeting brought together senior US and Iranian officials in an effort to revive negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Publicly, both sides called the talks constructive. Privately, American officials acknowledge that significant differences remain.
“We expect the Iranians to come back with the details in the next couple of weeks. The President will continue to watch how this plays out,” Leavitt said.
Vice President JD Vance struck a similar note, saying the talks “went well” in some respects but that Iran had yet to accept red lines set by President Trump.
Military posture shifts in the background
Even as talks continue, Washington has stepped up its military presence in the Middle East.
According to earlier reports, the Pentagon has positioned two aircraft carriers, nearly a dozen warships and hundreds of fighter aircraft to the region. In recent days, dozens more jets, including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, have reportedly been sent.
Over 150 cargo flights have moved equipment and munitions into theatre.
Officials familiar with internal planning have indicated that, if authorised, any action against Iran would likely extend beyond a limited strike and could involve sustained operations targeting key military and nuclear facilities.
Unrest inside Iran adds to tension
All of this is playing out while Iran itself has been unsettled for months.
The protests that began on December 28, 2025, were first about money, such as the falling rial, prices spiralling, and shopkeepers shutting their shutters in frustration. But the mood shifted quickly. Anger over the economy gave way to louder, more direct calls for change.
The state did not wait long. Security units were deployed, gatherings were broken up and, within days, communication lines were cut in what became a nationwide blackout. The response was firm and at times forceful, as authorities sought to contain gatherings that were growing in size and intensity.
On January 8, 2026, authorities imposed a nationwide communications blackout. The United States condemned the crackdown and expanded visa bans against Iranian officials accused of human rights violations. Tehran dismissed the criticism as interference.
A narrow window
For now, Washington maintains that diplomacy remains on the table. But officials concede the window may not remain open indefinitely.
Some US lawmakers have suggested that any strike could still be weeks away. Others believe the decision could come sooner if negotiations stall. The White House has reportedly given Tehran a short timeline to return with a more detailed proposal.
Whether that produces movement or hardens positions is unclear.
For now, the talks continue. So does the military buildup.