The United States is reportedly on the brink of launching military strikes against Iran, with President Donald Trump said to be "ready to push the button." The dramatic escalation comes as US and British personnel are withdrawn from key bases in the Middle East and the death toll from ongoing anti-regime protests in Iran surpasses 2,500.
Imminent Strikes and Base Evacuations
According to a Washington source close to the administration who spoke to The Independent, surgical strikes aimed at removing the Iranian regime could be executed within the next 24 hours. "President Trump is ready to push the button on Iran," the source stated, describing the planned action as a "surgical removal of the regime."
This warning coincided with the precautionary evacuation of personnel from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military facility in the region housing approximately 10,000 troops. The move, confirmed on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, was attributed to heightened regional tensions. Britain also withdrew some personnel from a base in Qatar.
A Western military official told Reuters that while "all the signals are that a U.S. attack is imminent," unpredictability remains a core part of the administration's strategy. Echoing this timeline, two European officials suggested US military intervention could come within a day.
Regime Collapse and International Stance
The source indicated the Trump administration is banking on the imminent collapse of Iran's financial system to cripple the regime's security apparatus, notably the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "The Iranian banks are on the point of collapse which means the IRGC and others will not get paid once that happens," they explained. Plans are allegedly being drawn up to form an interim government post-collapse.
Internationally, the UK is expected to play no direct role in any immediate action. The administration has been in contact with British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, but the source criticised European allies, saying they are "very happy to complain about Iran but not willing to actually do anything." An Israeli official also noted it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, though details remained unclear.
Protests, Executions, and Regional Threats
The potential for conflict unfolds against a backdrop of severe domestic unrest in Iran. The US-based HRANA rights group reports the death toll has risen to 2,571, including 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals. This figure far exceeds those from protests in 2022 and 2009. The group also recorded over 18,000 arrests.
Tehran has issued stark warnings to neighbouring countries, threatening to strike American bases in their territories if the US attacks Iran. Meanwhile, the fate of protester Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old reportedly marked for execution on Wednesday, remains unconfirmed. President Trump has vowed "very strong action" if Iran carries out executions of protesters, using his Truth Social platform to tell demonstrators "help is on the way."
As Iran's chief justice emphasised speedy judgements for those accused of violence, a senior Iranian official revealed Tehran has urged regional allies like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey to deter Washington, or risk attacks on US bases within their borders.
