The US and Iran are headed to the brink of war with President Donald Trump threatening to send an armada into the area, and Iran continues to mercilessly crush massive demonstrations. Israel silently prepares forces against surprise attacks where military resources move as the two groups exchange the threat of obliterating each other.
The Warnings of Trump Get Hotter.
Trump returned to Davos fresh and proclaimed that the US warships were steaming in the Asia-Pacific signifying that they were ready to smash any aggression by the Iranians. He threatened to make Tehran disappear under the earth in case it attacks US leaders or executes the protestors, repeating the threats of last year. This is after Iran violently crushed unrest, according to reports, 4,500-5,000 have died and 26,000 have been arrested since late 2025.
In the Wall Street Journal, Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi responded that it was preparing to retaliate with all means possible and dismissed threats as a reality check. General Golamali Rashid threatened to set fire to the world of America in case Ayatollah Khamenei would suffer harm claiming that it was the US-Israel who were rioting and this was termed as a terroristic plot. Allies are urged by Tehran to prevent US attacks, threatening Saudi and UAE bases.
Military Buildup in the US is an Indicator.
The US withdraws troops from the Middle East bases such as the Al Udeid in Qatar, against looming imminent strikes as indicated by the European and Israeli authorities. War vessels are days out of the Gulf, and Trump is suggesting very strong measures in case any further live fire is encountered in case of protests. Oil markets panic in fear of supply anarchy in case of Strait of Hormuz blockade.
European diplomats are talking intervention in a matter of hours, but Trump is a game-changer. Qatar reduces base operations; there is no mass evacuation yet, but an indication of similar pre-missile tension as last year.
Israel Preparations in the Shadow.
Big guns Israel, traumatised by the 12-day war with Iran in 2025, prepares surprise attacks. Authorities verify Trump decided on intervention, scope uncertain – airstrikes against nuclear targets or proxy targets. IDF increases warnings, focusing on the missile arsenals of Iran and the Hezbollah reinforcements.
There is a history of US-Israel collaborations, and both Tehran and Israel accuse each other of creating anarchy. Demonstrations paralyze government, and blackouts conceal repressions; videos recorded show security agents shooting at demonstrators.
Economic and Global Ripples
Blockade fears, oil spikes to hit $90/barrel. Europe scurries with Iran taunting about the US Greenland bids. Russia and China are supporting Tehran on a diplomatic level which makes it difficult for the UN to respond. Locally, the Pezeshkian of Iran boasts of mass support snuffing out enemies.
Will Strikes Happen?
US attack probability rises to 60% analysts say. Trump works better under pressure, but national interests may slow. Iran is bleeding internally, and it is not inviting a full-scale war, only pinpricks. Israel will probably greenlight in case of the development of nukes.
Escher, on the edge: diplomacy in abeyance, arsenals closed. The whole world is waiting to see whether the words become missiles.
