President Trump just put Iran on the clock. Ten days. Maybe fifteen.
He delivered the ultimatum today at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, with nearly 50 world leaders watching.
“Now, we may have to take it a step further—or we may not. Maybe we’re gonna make a deal. You’ll find out in probably 10 days.”
JUST IN: 10 DAYS.
— Bruce Snyder (@realBruceSnyder) February 19, 2026
TRUMP: "We may have to take (Iran) a step further, or we may not. Maybe we're gonna make a deal. You'll find out in probably 10 days." pic.twitter.com/DwFTSNvWO7
Behind the words, the military machinery is moving.
From Reuters:
“The US military buildup in the Middle East is intensifying with the impending arrival of a second carrier strike group. The USS Gerald R. Ford is crossing the Atlantic to join the USS Abraham Lincoln already stationed near Oman. Sources familiar with the planning believe a major conflict could begin within days if diplomacy fails, with strikes potentially coming as soon as Saturday.”
Two carriers. Biden never deployed that kind of force.
If the USS Gerald R. Ford keeps her current speed, she will be off the coast of Israel and be able to assist in the defense against an Iranian retaliation by Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/7OhMJDRxwZ
— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) February 18, 2026
The Ford is the world’s largest aircraft carrier. It brings F-35 stealth fighters, electronic warfare aircraft, and cruise missiles to the theater.
From The Guardian:
“The deployment marks the most significant US naval presence in the region since the 2020 Soleimani strike. Regional tensions are escalating rapidly, with Iran’s Navy Commander warning that ‘the Iranian people will confront them with greater power.’ The dual-carrier configuration gives Trump the ability to sustain continuous air operations against Iranian nuclear facilities while maintaining defensive coverage for American assets.”
Iran isn’t waiting quietly.
As US military build up around Iran continues, President Trump suggests a 10-day timetable for a decision on action: "Maybe we're going to make a deal where you're going to be, you're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days"
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) February 19, 2026
Today, Iranian and Russian warships conducted joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman.
From The National:
“The Maritime Security Belt 2026 drills included simulating the liberation of a hijacked ship, involving aerial reconnaissance, surface operations and the capture of simulated pirates. Iranian state media showed footage of missile boats firing live ordnance and special forces conducting boarding operations. The exercise sends a clear message: Tehran is preparing for potential conflict while demonstrating its alliance with Moscow. Russian naval officials called the drills ‘purely defensive’ but the timing—hours after Trump’s ultimatum—suggests otherwise.”
Trump’s redline remains unchanged. “You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Russia, China, Iran hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) February 17, 2026
——
Russia, China, and Iran have deployed naval vessels for joint exercises in the Strait of Hormuz as part of the “Maritime Security Belt 2026” drills, Russian presidential aide Nikolay Patrushev said, describing the… pic.twitter.com/Ze3mitULjf
Ten days. Deal or confrontation. The carriers are in position.
