“In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump has said. Iran remains defiant in the face of ultimatums, pledging unprecedented retaliation to any attack.

Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain
Feb 18, 2026

A former senior U.S. intelligence official who is an informal advisor to the Trump administration on Middle East policy told Drop Site that, based on his discussions with current officials, he assesses an 80-90% likelihood of U.S. strikes within weeks.

Iran realizes that it is facing an unprecedented threat from the U.S. if a deal that conforms with Trump’s terms is not reached, former Pentagon official Jasmine El-Gamal told Drop Site. “This is not a dress rehearsal,” she said. “This is it. This is not the negotiations of last year or the year before or the year before that. They’re backed into a corner. There’s no off ramp.”

  • goferking (he/him)
    5·
    16 hours ago

    Wdym, he’s already doing the civilian bombing and random country attacks.

    Does he really need a war to get full presidential when already the embodiment of what’s wrong with America?

    • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆@lemmy.ml
      112·
      16 hours ago

      A full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Iran is the only thing that will make Trump a real president in the eyes of the Democrats.

      • goferking (he/him)
        4·
        16 hours ago

        Idk, I think that hinges on him letting them vote to allow it first. If he doesn’t let them vote yes they’ll be upset. Just like trumps other attacks that didn’t tell them beforehand