Trump Briefed on Iran Strike Options as Massive U.S. Military Force Surrounds the Region

Trump Weighs Military Strike on Iran as Unprecedented U.S. Force Builds in the Middle East

President Donald Trump has been briefed on multiple military strike options targeting Iran, as the United States continues to amass an unprecedented military force across the Middle East.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, transited the Strait of Gibraltar on February 20, 2026, entering the Mediterranean Sea. The Ford joins the USS Abraham Lincoln, already deployed in the Arabian Sea, reestablishing a dual carrier presence near Iran for the first time in this crisis.

Together, the two carrier strike groups bring more than 150 warplanes within operational range of Iranian territory. An additional 50 fighter jets were recently deployed to land bases across the region. More than a dozen U.S. warships now operate in surrounding waters.

Atlantic Council fellow Alex Plitsas described the buildup in stark terms:

What we have amassed is an unprecedented size combination of land based attack aircraft, command and control and sea based platforms.

If military action is ordered, primary targets would likely include Iranian air defense systems and ballistic missile launchers. Trump has received briefings on options ranging from strikes on nuclear and missile sites to attempts to remove regime leaders entirely.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated:

The president has always been very clear...diplomacy is always his first option.

Negotiations continue in Geneva over Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for terror proxies. Iran temporarily closed the Straits of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, ahead of the latest round of talks. Iranian negotiators have offered only to suspend uranium enrichment for three to five years, while the U.S. position demands zero enrichment on Iranian soil.

Trump told reporters he has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch strikes. U.S. troops have not received a target list, a sign the president has not yet given the order.

U.S. Military Buildup Near Iran Reaches Historic Levels as Nuclear Talks Stall

The massive military deployment unfolds against a backdrop of failed diplomatic progress. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, serving as Trump's envoys, briefed the president after indirect talks with Iranian officials. Top national security officials also met in the White House Situation Room to discuss next steps.

Iran has signaled willingness to return with detailed proposals within two weeks, but the gap between the two sides remains wide. The next round of talks is expected Thursday in Geneva.

The Crusader's Opinion

Iran has spent decades funding the murder of Christians across the Middle East, bankrolling Hezbollah, Hamas, and every proxy that makes life a living hell for believers from Syria to Yemen. Now they're playing for time at the negotiating table while enriching uranium behind closed doors. Let's be clear: a regime that hangs Christians from cranes, stones women, and funds the slaughter of innocents does not negotiate in good faith. The West needs to stop pretending otherwise. Peace through strength is not a slogan. It is the only language tyrants understand.

Take Action

• Pray for the safety of U.S. servicemembers deployed to the Middle East and for wisdom for national leaders making decisions that affect millions of lives.
• Contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to demand transparency on Iran policy. Find your representative at house.gov.
• Support persecuted Christians in Iran and across the Middle East through Open Doors USA, which provides Bibles, training, and emergency aid to believers living under hostile regimes.
• Give to The Shepherd's Shield to support Christian communities facing persecution worldwide.
• Stay informed through International Christian Concern and share verified news about the Iranian regime's persecution of Christians with your church and community.