US Military Prepared to Strike Iran as Tehran, Moscow Plan Naval Exercises

• Trump to decide final course of action regarding potential strike on Iran.
• White House has been briefed on military build-up in the Middle East.
• Iran plans to submit a written proposal to de-escalate tensions with the US.

CNN reports that U.S. military forces are prepared to execute possible strikes on Iran as early as this weekend, citing sources familiar with the situation, amid reports of Iran and Russia announcing new joint naval exercises in regional waters.

However, international outlets note that President Donald Trump will have the final say on whether to proceed with an attack.

This comes as Oman facilitates talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva. The White House acknowledged some progress, though differences on key issues remain. Iran is expected to respond with more details within the next few weeks.

The discussions, which follow a breakdown of last year’s talks after Israel’s June attack on Iran that triggered a 12-day conflict, aimed to prevent military action. Iran demands the lifting of US sanctions, while the US has highlighted issues including Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Trump has repeatedly pointed to the possibility of military intervention, citing recent crackdowns on protests and Iran’s nuclear activities as justification.

CNN reports that the White House has been informed that the military might be ready for action by weekend, following the buildup of air and naval forces in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, another source indicated that Trump has expressed mixed opinions about military action, consulting advisors and allies to determine the best approach.

Reuters quotes a senior US official saying that top security advisors gathered at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Iran, with orders for all US forces in the region to be in place by mid-March.

Proposal in Writing

Iran is expected to submit a formal written proposal to resolve its standoff with the US following Geneva talks, according to a US official. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on February 28 to discuss Iran.

The Geneva discussions involved US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, aiming to prevent the crisis from escalating further. Iran has agreed to present a written plan addressing US concerns, and the US is awaiting that documentation.

Meanwhile, Trump has ordered a significant military buildup in the region, with a second aircraft carrier en route. Official sources say the full force should be operational by mid-March.

Naval Exercises and Tensions

Amid ongoing negotiations, Iran announced joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean scheduled for Thursday, following recent Iranian military exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Fars News Agency.

Iranian naval commander Hassan Maghsoodloo explained the exercises aim to enhance coordination, counteract threats, and combat maritime terrorism.

Additionally, Iran has issued notices to aviators about planned rocket launches across southern regions, as seen on the FAA website, amid heightened US military presence in the vicinity.

The Notam system provides essential safety alerts for pilots and air operators. The US has deployed warships in nearby waters, with Vice President Vance stating Washington is considering its diplomatic options with Tehran.

Additional details from Reuters.