The Globalist The countdown is on as Trump ups pressure on Iran
Feb 23, 2026
Sanam Vakil, Chatham House MENA director, on Iran’s nuclear standoff, regional threats and protest dynamics. William Yang, Northeast Asia analyst, on Taiwan’s budget gridlock and defence risks. Sudeh David-Wilp, German Marshall Fund, on CDU politics and Merkel’s unity signal. Isabel Hamilton, Politico tech editor, on transatlantic tech fights and platform rules. Andrew Muller, Monocle correspondent, on Milan’s Winter Games flair.
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US Military Buildup Aims To Force Tehran To Negotiate
- The US has amassed an unprecedented military posture in the Middle East comparable to 2003, signalling serious readiness rather than routine deterrence.
- Sanam Vakil warns the buildup aims to push Iran to negotiate but risks rapid escalation via Iranian missiles, drones and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Could Weaponize Maritime Routes To Escalate Pressure
- Iran's likely retaliation would use ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones and could target Israel and US bases while attempting to disrupt global energy flows.
- Vakil highlights Iran could mine or intermittently close the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy price spikes and international pressure.
UK Refusal To Offer Bases Is A Political Signal Not A US Constraint
- The UK blocking RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia signals refusal to join a strike on Iran and preference for diplomacy, not a crippling loss to US operational options.
- Vakil says the move is symbolic: the US still has capacity to act alone but Britain wants to avoid being dragged into war.