On February 23, 2026, tensions between the United States and Iran escalated as Iran's Foreign Ministry reiterated that any US military action, including limited strikes, would be viewed as an 'act of aggression' and would provoke a 'ferocious' response. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized, 'An act of aggression would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period. And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defence ferociously so that’s what we would do.' This warning comes amidst a significant US military buildup in the Middle East, which includes two aircraft carriers and advanced fighter jets, as President Donald Trump contemplates military action if negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program do not yield results. Trump expressed confusion over Iran's lack of capitulation under pressure, stating, 'He’s curious as to why they haven’t... I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated’, but why haven’t they capitulated?' This statement reflects the US's strategy of applying military pressure while still engaging in diplomatic talks, with further negotiations scheduled for Thursday under Omani mediation.
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Trump'S Military Buildup Near Iran Sparks Escalating Tensions
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Tensions rise between the US and Iran as military buildup prompts warnings of 'ferocious' responses from Iran. Diplomatic talks continue amid fears of conflict and regional instability.
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