# Middle East
Latest news and articles about Middle East
Total: 109 articles found
A New Middle East War Edges Closer: Chinese Commentary Warns of Imminent U.S.–Israeli Strike on Iran
A Chinese op-ed warns that a large-scale U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran could be imminent after negotiations stalled, citing elevated military postures and preparations on all sides. The commentary stresses the risk of a protracted regional conflict—drawing in proxies, disrupting oil flows and challenging global stability—while urging China to value and protect its peace and interests.
U.S. Orders Mid‑March Force Readiness in Middle East as Diplomacy with Iran Continues
A senior U.S. official says President Trump’s national security adviser ordered that all U.S. forces involved in a Middle East buildup be deployed by mid‑March, while Washington expects Iran to submit a written proposal after Geneva talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel on February 28 to coordinate with Prime Minister Netanyahu, reflecting a parallel strategy of military readiness and diplomatic pressure.
Iran Says It Will Return to Geneva Talks Within Two Weeks With ‘Detailed Proposal’ — A Tentative Step Toward Breaking the Stalemate
U.S. officials say Iran will return to indirect talks in Geneva within two weeks with a detailed written proposal aimed at closing outstanding gaps. Participants described the latest round as progressive but incomplete; the next submission could determine whether incremental diplomacy can yield a verifiable, phased agreement or merely postpone future confrontation.
US Sends 18 F-35s from UK to Middle East in a Show of Force Amid Iran Tensions
The U.S. Air Force flew 18 F-35A fighters from RAF Lakenheath to the Middle East on Feb. 16, supported by tankers and operating in three‑ship formations. The deployment is a significant, visible show of force meant to deter Iran and reassure regional partners amid heightened tensions.
Netanyahu Says Israel Will Wean Itself Off U.S. Military Aid within a Decade — A Bid for Strategic Independence
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at an American Jewish leaders’ gathering that Israel aims to phase out U.S. military funding within ten years and build a fully autonomous defence industry. The goal would reshape procurement, shift fiscal burdens to Israel, and alter the leverage and dynamics of the U.S.-Israel security partnership.
U.S. Masses Forces in Middle East Ahead of Geneva Talks with Iran, Signalling Pressure and Contingency Plans
The United States has accelerated deployments to the Middle East ahead of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva, repositioning aircraft from the UK, moving equipment to Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and extending troop rotations. Washington’s actions are meant to pressure Tehran and prepare for possible military contingencies, but they raise escalation and regional-risk concerns.
U.S. Bolsters Middle East Forces Ahead of Geneva Talks to Pressure Iran — A Show of Strength or a Path to Escalation?
The United States has moved additional air and missile-defence assets into the Middle East and repositioned aircraft from the UK ahead of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva, signaling pressure and preparing for possible military options. The surge aims to strengthen bargaining leverage but increases the risk of miscalculation and regional escalation with wide economic and strategic consequences.
U.S. Masses Forces Near Iran Ahead of Geneva Talks — Preparing for Diplomacy or Strike
The United States has redeployed aircraft, extended troop rotations and sent more air‑defence systems and a second carrier strike group into the Middle East ahead of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva on 17 February. Washington intends the posture to squeeze Tehran at the negotiating table while retaining the option of military action if diplomacy fails, a gambit that raises the risk of regional escalation and market disruption.
Ultimatum and Carrier Groups: A Sudden Spike in US–Iran Tensions Raises Global Stakes
A Chinese report says that after Tehran signalled a possible US move away from military action, President Trump issued a one-month ultimatum and the US sent a second carrier group to the Middle East. The combination of hardline deadlines, naval deployments and a volatile regional context raises the risk of miscalculation with serious implications for energy markets and global stability.
US Sends 18 F‑35s From Britain to Middle East in Strong Signal to Iran
The US has sent 18 F‑35A fighters from RAF Lakenheath to the Middle East with tanker support, marking one of the largest recent F‑35 movements to the region. The deployment is a calibrated show of advanced airpower intended to deter Iran but carries risks of escalation and logistical strain.
Teeth on the Map: IRGC Naval Drills in the Strait of Hormuz Raise Stakes for Global Shipping
Iran’s IRGC conducted the main phase of naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on 17 February 2026, with commanders asserting the ability to close the waterway quickly if required. The move underscores a persistent vulnerability for global energy shipments and raises the prospect of heightened naval deployments, insurance costs, and diplomatic friction.
US Warplanes Mass Near Iran as Diplomatic Talks Stall — A Wider China–Russia Test Looms
US deployments of A-10s, F-15Es and supporting assets to the Middle East have intensified after stalled Oman talks with Iran, signalling a retained option for military action. Tehran's consultations with China and Russia, combined with Israeli pressure and US economic tightening, raise the risk of broader regional and geopolitical escalation rather than a contained strike.