Will the US military strike Iran this weekend? Have the talks to achieve diplomacy failed?
US military could strike Iran as early as this weekend, though President Donald Trump has not made a final decision. While indirect US-Iran talks in Geneva were described as constructive, Washington continues a military buildup, even as the White House says diplomacy remains Trump’s first option.
US military is set to launch a strike on Iran as soon as this weekend; however, United States President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on whether he will authorize such actions, CNN reported on Wednesday (local time).
Citing sources, the report said that the White House has been informed that the military could be prepared to attack by the weekend, following a significant buildup of air and naval forces in the Middle East in recent days. However, another source said that Trump has privately discussed both the pros and cons of military action and has also sought input from advisers and allies on the way forward. However, it remains unclear whether he will decide by the weekend.
US-Iran indirect talks
The development comes days after US and Iranian officials met in Geneva and held indirect talks on Tuesday (local time), with Tehran describing them as "more constructive" than the previous one earlier this month. The indirect talks lasted over three hours, after which they departed without a clear resolution. However, a top Iranian negotiator said that the two sides agreed on a set of "guiding principles," and an American official said that “there are still a lot of details to discuss.”
Diplomacy is Trump's first option: Karoline Leavitt
On Wednesday (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House expects Tehran to provide more details on its negotiating position in the coming weeks. However, she did not add anything on whether Trump would hold off on military action within that timespan. She said, "I’m not going to set deadlines on behalf of the president of the United States," and added that, while “diplomacy is always his first option,” military action continues to be on the table.
Leavitt went on to say that while there were many reasons and arguments for striking Iran, Trump is relying “first and foremost” on guidance from his national security team.
USS Gerald R. Ford to arrive in the Middle East?
Concerns over a possible military confrontation between the two sides have been heightened amid a lack of clarity from the White House officials. This comes as the officials continue to hope for diplomacy. The USS Gerald R.Ford, the most advanced carrier strike group in the US fleet, could also arrive in the Middle East this weekend amid a broader military buildup. U.S. Air Force assets stationed in the United Kingdom, which include refuelling tankers and fighter jets, are also being moved closer to the region, the report added.
In the last few weeks, Trump's remarks on Tehran have done little to build support among the Americans or the US Congress for a major operation. While he has signalled interest in regime change and reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, he has not clearly defined the objectives of a potential strike.
According to new satellite imagery and analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security, Iran, on the other hand, is reinforcing several of its nuclear facilities, covering key sites with concrete and large amounts of earth as US military pressure intensifies.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.