-Friday World – February 18, 2026
The standoff between the United States and Iran has reached a critical point, with both sides appearing on the brink of open conflict. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a direct and defiant challenge to America, declaring that Iran possesses lethal weapons capable of sinking even the most powerful U.S. warships in moments if Washington makes a wrong move.
Khamenei posted an image on social media.
The striking visual shows the world's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, severely damaged and sinking. Accompanying the image, his message read: "The Americans keep saying they've sent a warship toward Iran. Fine, a warship is indeed a dangerous machine—but far more dangerous is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea." This statement serves as both a stark threat and sharp sarcasm aimed at U.S. President **Donald Trump**'s aggressive policies. Khamenei further warned that even the mightiest military on Earth could be struck so hard it might never recover.
The warning comes amid a massive U.S. military buildup in the region.
In just the past 24 hours, the United States has deployed over 50 advanced fighter jets—including F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-16s—to the Middle East, supported by aerial refueling tankers for extended operations. Trump has openly stated that if negotiations fail, the USS Gerald R. Ford—the planet's largest aircraft carrier—will head to the area to join the already positioned USS Abraham Lincoln , intensifying pressure on Tehran.
Iran is showing clear signs of counter-preparations.
Iran has conducted live-fire drills in parts of the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily closing sections of this vital waterway—the first such move on this scale since the 1980s. Tehran boasts advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles like the Khorramshahr and Sejjil, threatening to use them against U.S. naval forces. Experts view this as a deliberate strategy to challenge American dominance in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes.
Peace efforts continue despite the brinkmanship.
Thanks to **Oman**'s mediation, a second round of indirect talks on Iran's nuclear program took place in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as positive, noting agreement on certain "guiding principles" to move forward. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance made it clear that while some progress occurred, Iran has not yet accepted President Trump's firm red lines—including halting uranium enrichment, curbing ballistic missile programs, and providing ironclad guarantees against nuclear weapon development.
The situation could push the Middle East toward a major war. On one side stands the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" approach combined with heavy military reinforcement; on the other is Iran's unyielding stance of resistance.
Khamenei's statement and the provocative AI image are more than mere propaganda—they openly showcase Iran's missile capabilities and resolve. Should diplomacy collapse, the Strait of Hormuz could close, oil prices could surge dramatically, and the risk of wider regional conflict would escalate sharply.
The world watches with bated breath. Will negotiations succeed, or will escalating rhetoric turn into actual war? Iran has made its position crystal clear: it will not bow to military pressure and stands fully ready to retaliate. The coming days will determine what history records next.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World – February 18, 2026
