Iran’s ultra conservative Vatan Emrooz and other regime aligned outlets are messaging a doctrine shift toward “immediate response” if a U.S. strike is confirmed, claiming a prebuilt “target bank” and readiness to hit multiple targets.
Trump reposted commentary from Mark Levin arguing against a deal and in favor of military action, and separately posted language framing today as “a very interesting day.”
Ynet reports “last chance” Geneva framing around talks, and says sources who spoke with Trump believe he is leaning toward ordering a limited strike on Iran, citing among the motives his focus on the alleged Iran linked assassination plot against him.
Israel’s Mako reports Israeli security officials are warning that a direct U.S. & Iran clash could trigger a wider chain reaction involving pro Iran militias in Iraq, with particular concern over short range rocket arrays.
Channel 14 reports a “very senior” Israeli security establishment source says the U.S. military has completed preparations for possible military action in Iran, and the decision on timing is now with Washington decision makers.
IDF plans to sustain elevated readiness for months as Israel prepares for possible escalation tied to the U.S. & Iran track, while keeping routine activity largely intact. Ynet reports the IDF expects to enter a third month of heightened alert, continuing training & exercises, avoiding broad civilian movement restrictions (north/south), and allowing some soldiers to travel abroad except for critical roles. Reserve staffing plans for command centers & control rooms are designed for a long duration posture, alongside continued Home Front Command drills.
Israeli officials tell Ynet they assess a US decision on potential strikes against Iran is likely pushed to next week, as diplomacy continues. Netanyahu convened the security cabinet for multi-front readiness tied to a possible US action and regional spillover.
Ynet reports Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi expects to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday for further nuclear talks, saying diplomacy is still possible and US military buildup will not pressure Iran. The report also cites claims of Iranian ballistic missile launcher deployments positioned to threaten regional targets.
Israeli officials tell Ynet they are concerned current US & Iran talks appear narrowly focused on the nuclear file, without actively addressing ballistic missiles or Iran aligned proxy forces. Jerusalem views this as a potential gap given Israel’s threat assessments.
Kikar HaShabbat reports Netanyahu left the Knesset for an emergency security discussion, amid continued Israel & US focus on possible escalation with Iran. The report also highlights Iranian/IRGC “lessons learned” preparation framing for a potential US strike scenario.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has tasked Ali Larijani with managing Iran under worst case scenarios, including war and potential assassinations of senior leaders.
Haaretz reports the Wall Street Journal says Pentagon officials voiced concern that any Iran operation could turn into a prolonged campaign, during internal deliberations over strike options.
Trump pushed back on claims that Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine warned against an Iran campaign, saying he makes the decision. Trump reiterated he prefers a deal, but warned Iran would face a “very bad day” if no agreement is reached.
Washington has intensified use of Portugal’s Lajes Air Base amid Iran strike warnings, pointing to a growing logistics pipeline supporting regional posture.
Israel completes preparations to open additional arenas. Security coordination with Washington reaches a peak ahead of an operational "window of opportunity" in the coming days. The aircraft carrier Ford is in Crete and is expected to sail off the coast of Israel. The defense establishment is preparing for the possibility that additional war theaters will open up.
Trump administration officials have called several Arab countries in recent days to calm their concerns after U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee argued that Israel has the right to control much of the Middle East. The comments came amid Trump’s need to win support from Arab countries that host U.S. military installations, such as Qatar and Jordan, if he follows through on his threats to attack Iran.
Bank of Israel kept the policy rate unchanged at 4% on Feb 23, 2026. The Monetary Committee said geopolitical uncertainty has risen in recent days amid a possible confrontation with Iran, and Israel’s risk premium rose slightly.
Student protests were reported for a third day on Feb 23, 2026, including at universities in Tehran. State media accounts cited anti government slogans at the University of Tehran, flag burning at Alzahra University, and clashes at Amir Kabir University.
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