The US military is prepared to strike Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether he’ll authorize such actions, sources familiar with the matter tell CNN. But one source cautioned that Trump has privately argued both for and against military action and polled advisers and allies on what the best course of action is. Trump was also briefed Wednesday by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, about their indirect talks with Iran that occurred a day earlier. The US’s readiness to strike by the weekend was first reported by CBS News. She added that while “diplomacy is always his first option,” military action remains on the table.

Source: CNN February 19, 2026 00:43 UTC