48 hours to World War 3? Trump’s ‘Monday strike’ plan on Iran revealed; Tehran readies NYC-range missiles | World News
As news that Trump will attack Iran on Monday sends shock waves through international capitals, the world is on a 48-hour countdown to a potential global conflict. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou sparked World War III alarm by claiming that the final decision to attack Tehran was made in the White House and that military action was planned for Monday or Tuesday.
Former CIA allegations
Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou said: “I have a friend who is a former CIA officer, he was talking to his friends at the White House this morning and he says the decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday.”
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However, there has been no official confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon or the Trump administration, and the claim has not yet been confirmed.
The US army has made a significant buildup around Iran
Kiriakou’s claim comes amid reports of a significant repositioning of the US military in the Middle East. As of February 2026, a significant American buildup is visible around Iran. Two carrier strike groups led by USS Abraham Lincoln are currently anchoring a naval formation of nine destroyers in the Arabian Sea. More than 250 warplanes, including stealth F-22 fighter jets and nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, are deployed at bases in Jordan and Qatar, positioning US forces for a potential rapid strike.
Russia signals support for Iran amid tensions over Trump strike
Russia described any possible US attack as “dangerous” and stated that it provided strict military and technical support to Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow supports Tehran and noted that the two countries will hold joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman this week. Reports also suggest that Russia has deployed S-400 air defense systems to help protect Iranian sites. However, Moscow has said it does not plan to engage in direct conflict and will instead focus on sharing real-time intelligence to help Iran track US naval activities.
Iran signals ability to retaliate
Meanwhile, Tehran has signaled that it is preparing for the worst. Iranian officials have reportedly warned that the country would directly target the United States if attacked, including the possible use of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) such as the “Mazio,” which is said to have a 10,000 km range that could reach Washington, D.C. and New York.
In anticipation of a possible conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delegated significant authority to National Security Chief Ali Larijani and underlined how seriously Tehran is approaching the situation. Khamenei also ordered comprehensive contingency planning, including multi-layering of leadership, in case senior figures, including himself, were killed.
Iran has already put its military on high alert, relocated its missile systems to strategic locations, conducted military exercises, and prepared its internal security forces to contain possible unrest during the war; This signals that both sides are preparing for a period of increased tension.
(with ANI entries)
