The United States Armed Forces could be placed on standby for possible strikes against Iran as early as February 21, although the White House has yet to issue a final order to proceed. CBS News reported this, citing informed sources familiar with the discussions.

According to the network, senior national security officials have told President Donald Trump that the military would be prepared to carry out potential strikes by Saturday. At the same time, no precise timetable for a possible operation has been set. If military action does begin, it is unlikely to be limited to a short weekend campaign.

Sources stress that Trump has not made a definitive decision on launching a military operation against Iran. He previously warned that if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement with Washington, the United States would move to what he described as a second phase of measures — one that would prove extremely painful for the Iranian side.

The White House is demanding a deal that would completely rule out the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump has indicated that failure to secure such an agreement would result in an attack far more extensive than last year’s strikes.

At the end of January 2026, the United States deployed a large naval grouping to the Oman and Persian Gulfs. Shortly afterward, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced the transfer of additional units to the region.

Washington continues to press Tehran for further steps, including a full halt to uranium enrichment and restrictions on ballistic missile development.