The United States military could be positioned to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with internal discussions.
The report comes at a time of rising tensions in the region, as Iran and Russia prepare for joint naval exercises and diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue.
While military preparations are reportedly underway, the final decision on whether to proceed with any action rests with US President Donald Trump. Sources told CNN that sufficient air and naval assets are being moved into the Middle East to enable a possible strike in the coming days.
The developments coincide with Omani-mediated negotiations held in Geneva aimed at easing the standoff. The White House described the talks as showing “a little bit of progress,” though significant differences remain. Tehran is expected to submit a written proposal outlining how it intends to address US concerns in the coming weeks.
According to media, senior US national security officials convened in the White House Situation Room to assess the situation. A US official indicated that all deployed American forces in the region are expected to be fully positioned by mid-March, including the arrival of a second aircraft carrier strike group ordered by the president.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The second round of indirect talks in Geneva followed the collapse of negotiations last year, which unraveled after Israel’s June attack on Iran triggered a 12-day conflict. The recent discussions involved US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
Tehran has maintained that negotiations should focus strictly on its nuclear program, while Washington has previously sought to include Iran’s ballistic missile development in the agenda. Iran is also pushing for the lifting of US sanctions as part of any agreement.
Reuters further reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 to discuss Iran-related matters.
Military Posturing and Regional Moves
Amid the diplomatic exchanges, Iran announced new joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. The exercises, reported by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, are intended to strengthen coordination against threats to maritime security, including terrorism, according to Iranian navy commander Hassan Maghsoodloo.
The announcement follows recent Revolutionary Guards drills conducted in the Strait of Hormuz a strategic waterway critical to global oil shipments.
Additionally, Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicating planned rocket launches in southern areas of the country. The US Federal Aviation Administration website reflected the advisory, which provides essential safety information to pilots and flight operators.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington is weighing whether to persist with diplomatic engagement or explore alternative measures.
As military forces continue to mobilize and diplomatic channels remain open, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether tensions de-escalate — or move toward confrontation.
