March 17, 2026 01:59 pm (IST)
Follow us:
facebook-white sharing button
twitter-white sharing button
instagram-white sharing button
youtube-white sharing button
ECI orders major reshuffle in Bengal police brass a day after poll announcement | 10 patients killed in fire at SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack; staff injured | ECI cracks whip in Bengal: Chief Secretary, Home Secretary removed hours after poll announcement | Flights suspended! Suspected drone attack close to Dubai International Airport triggers fire, no injury | ‘Fight to save Bengal’s soul’: Modi launches blistering attack on TMC at Kolkata rally | ‘Fight to save Bengal’s soul’: Modi launches blistering attack on TMC at Kolkata rally | Trump claims US ‘totally obliterated’ military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island | Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk set to walk free after nearly six months of detention | BJP-TMC clash near Bengal minister’s home in Kolkata ahead of Modi’s Brigade rally | 'Nobody will hire them': Supreme Court says menstrual leave would backfire, hurt women's careers
Donald Trump is considering limited strikes on Tehran. Photo: The White House.

Trump considers limited strike on Iran amid naval buildup, as talks continue in Geneva

| @indiablooms | Feb 20, 2026, at 11:09 pm

US President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he is considering a limited military strike on Iran, following a major naval deployment to the Middle East aimed at pressuring Tehran to reach an agreement on its nuclear program, media reports said.

Trump’s comments came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a draft proposal for a potential deal with Washington could be ready within days, following talks in Geneva earlier this week.

Asked about military action, Trump stated: “The most I can say – I am considering it.”

Iran confirmed that drafts of a potential agreement would be submitted for final review by its leadership and the US negotiating team, media reports said.

Araghchi emphasized that Washington had not requested a complete suspension of Iran’s nuclear enrichment, focusing instead on ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.

This contrasts with Trump and other US officials, who have repeatedly insisted that Iran must halt uranium enrichment entirely.

Trump has ordered significant naval reinforcements, including the deployment of aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald Ford, as well as escort battleships, to the Gulf. Iran conducted military drills near the Strait of Hormuz, demonstrating its own readiness.

The Israeli army has placed its forces on defensive alert in response to escalating tensions.

Tehran faces ongoing economic sanctions that have fueled protests and civil unrest. Both sides continue negotiations while balancing military posturing, as the US pushes for stricter controls on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Araghchi stressed that there is no ultimatum, framing the talks as a mutual effort to achieve a rapid deal.

“We only talk with each other about how we can have a fast deal. And a fast deal is something that both sides are interested in,” Araghchi was quoted as saying by AFP.

The coming days could prove critical in determining whether diplomacy or confrontation will shape the future of US-Iran relations in the region.

Support Our Journalism

We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism

IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.

Support objective journalism for a small contribution.