Washington maintains that diplomacy remains its “first option.” But what it demands from Iran is fully dismantling its nuclear program. At the maximum, the Americans are hoping that a devastating strike against the Islamist rulers of Iran will produce regime change. While the Americans were building up their combat forces in the Middle East, Russia and China have not been idle. But since Iran has shown no signs of backing down, Trump will probably have to go through some motion of a military operation. A little over a week ago, Trump gave himself his usual two weeks to come to a decision on Iran.

Source: Philippine Star February 25, 2026 16:35 UTC