Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:25am on 18 Feb 2026,Wednesday International
The United States has moved two carrier strike groups near Iran while missile threats and sharp warnings are being exchanged, even as talks continue through Omani mediation in Geneva. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said American power “would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic” and warned a US warship could be sunk. Experts say the military build-up increases risk but does not confirm war. Professor Simon Mabon said this is a “very serious moment” and called it pressure-based diplomacy. Iran has also signalled it could target US bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: X)
