WASHINGTON D.C February 18, 2026 – The Trump administration is closer to launching a major war against Iran than most Americans realise, with a large-scale military operation potentially beginning within weeks, according to a breaking report by Axios.
The development, widely shared on social media including by BRICS News on X (formerly Twitter) with portraits of President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cites U.S. and Israeli officials who warn that diplomacy is reaching a critical juncture.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid detailed that any U.S. strike would likely involve a weeks-long, full-fledged campaign — far broader and more intense than the pinpoint operations seen recently elsewhere or even the 12-day Israel-U.S. strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear sites in June 2025. The operation could be conducted jointly with Israel and target not only nuclear facilities but also missile programmes and elements linked to regime stability.
Dual-Track Strategy: Talks + Unprecedented Buildup
The administration is pursuing parallel tracks:
– Nuclear negotiations : U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held a three-hour meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Tuesday. While both sides claimed “some progress,” gaps remain wide. Iran has been given roughly two weeks to submit a detailed proposal addressing U.S. red lines.
– Military surge : Two aircraft carrier strike groups, dozens of warships, hundreds of fighter jets (including fresh deployments of F-35s, F-22s and F-16s), and more than 150 U.S. cargo flights delivering weapons and ammunition have positioned American forces for sustained action. Additional assets are still en route.
Vice President JD Vance told Fox News the talks showed mixed results, stressing that President Trump has set clear red lines Iran has yet to acknowledge. One senior Trump adviser told Axios there is a “90% chance of kinetic action in the next few weeks”, adding: “The boss is getting fed up.”
Six Key Reasons Cited by Axios for Brinkmanship
1. Long-running nuclear dispute – Trump wants a new deal but has signalled openness to regime-change scenarios if talks fail.
2. Crackdown on January protests – Thousands killed, prompting Trump to threaten immediate strikes (later delayed for military repositioning).
3. Massive military deployment – Two carriers and hundreds of jets create expectations that cannot easily be walked back.
4. Israeli pressure – Jerusalem is preparing for war “within days” and pushing for a maximalist campaign.
5. Favorable oil market window – Global supplies are ample, limiting potential price shocks.
6. Perceived Iranian weakness – Protests, prior strikes, and depleted proxy networks have left Tehran more vulnerable.
Background and Regional Stakes
This marks the latest escalation in a standoff that has simmered since Trump’s return to office. The June 2025 strikes destroyed key Iranian nuclear infrastructure, after which talks resumed alongside sanctions.
A full-scale conflict would reshape the Middle East, carry major implications for the remaining three years of Trump’s term, and risk Iranian retaliation — though officials believe Tehran’s capacity is currently limited.
No official confirmation of imminent strikes has come from the White House or Pentagon. Iran has not yet responded publicly to the latest Axios reporting.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring this fast-moving story and provide updates as diplomatic or military developments unfold.
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