On February 19, 2026, tensions in the Middle East escalated significantly as Russia issued a stark warning to the United States regarding its military buildup near Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioned that any new military strikes on Iran could lead to 'serious consequences,' emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions amidst ongoing indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials. Lavrov's remarks came as the U.S. rapidly expanded its military presence in the region, deploying aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers, raising fears of a potential strike as early as the weekend. According to News9, the U.S. military's posture is described as defensive, yet the scale of deployments suggests readiness for offensive action if ordered. This buildup has heightened concerns among regional actors, with Lavrov stating, 'Those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran must be aware of the disastrous consequences.'