As the United States orchestrates its largest military deployment to the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the window for a diplomatic resolution to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions is visibly narrowing. The central tension of this moment—the “Why now?” of the current crisis—stems from a perceived collapse of deterrence. The Shadow of 2003: A Region on the EdgeThe scale of the current American build-up has fundamentally altered the diplomatic landscape. Sources indicate that the Israeli government believes a deadlock has been reached and has begun preparations for “potential joint military action” with the US. The Internal White House DebateDespite the aggressive rhetoric, the path to war is not yet unified within the West Wing.

Source: Daily News Egypt February 21, 2026 13:59 UTC