February 23, 2026

Tensions between the US and Iran saw new developments as diplomatic engagement has existed alongside reports of growing military preparations, with expert saying US administration continuing to apply maximum pressure. 

According to the New York Times' report on Sunday, though no final decisions have been made, US President Donald Trump has been leaning toward conducting an initial strike in coming days intended to demonstrate to Iran's leaders that they must be willing to agree to give up the ability to make a nuclear weapon. Targets under consideration range from the headquarters of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the country's nuclear sites to the ballistic missile program.

The news came after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday in a post on his social media that "recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals." He added that Iran continues "to closely monitor US actions and has made all necessary preparations for any possible scenario." 

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https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202602/1355630.shtml