SnS MAG

ShowBiz & Sports Celebs Lifestyle

Hot

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes-owned steakhouse sued by sneaker company

February 21, 2026
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes-owned steakhouse sued by sneaker company

Patrick MahomesandTravis Kelcehave been named in a lawsuit by sneaker company, 1587 Sneakers, alleging trademark infringement.

USA TODAY Sports

According tocourt records, the suit was filed on Feb. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claiming that the Kansas City steakhouse owned by theChiefs' stars, 1587 Prime, is harming the sneaker's business.

The restaurant opened on Sept. 17, 2025 and was named after the jersey numbers of Mahomes and Kelce. The suit indicates that 1587 Sneakers began selling its product on April 13, 2023 – claiming that they should have first use in this case. 1587 Sneakers is named after the year "1587," to mark the year that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders first arrived in America.

The company didn't apply for the "1587" trademark until Oct. 2025, and the application is still under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according toESPN, adding that the trademark is in the clothing category. That is different than "1587 Prime," which was filed in Dec. 2023 and falls into the bar and restaurant category.

Advertisement

<p style=Dec. 14, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacts after catching a pas against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lost the game, 16-13, and were eliminated from playoff contention, ending a 10-season postseason streak.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Nov. 23, 2025: Travis Kelce arrives before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Indianapolis Colts at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Oct. 27, 2025: Travis Kelce runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. <p style=Feb. 9, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) dejectedly walks off the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Jan. 26, 2025: Recording artist Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrate the Chiefs' win in the AFC championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate on stage after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Jan. 26, 2025. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the first half against Houston Texans during a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Jan. 18, 2025. Jan. 18, 2025: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an AFC divisional playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Dec. 25, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce open their Netflix Christmas GameDay cake after the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Oct. 14, 2024: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift watch Game 1 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium. Sept. 8, 2024: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce talk during the men's singles final of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. March 5, 2024: The Cleveland Cavaliers' Dean Wade celebrates with Travis Kelce after the Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Feb. 11, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team's win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Feb. 11, 2024: Travis Kelce celebrates with girlfriend Taylor Swift after the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 58 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Feb. 11, 2024: Travis Kelce arrives before Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Jan. 28, 2024: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. Dec. 31, 2023: Fans wave big heads of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift during the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 5, 2023: Travis Kelce reacts to fans before an NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. The Chiefs won the game, 21-14. Sept. 24, 2023: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring at touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium. July 16, 2023: Travis Kelce hits an approach shot during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada. June 15, 2023: Travis Kelce is interviewed by Taylen Biggs during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Red Carpet Ceremony at Union Station in Kansas City. June 12, 2023: Travis Kelce throws out the first pitch prior to a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. April 27, 2023: Travis Kelce greets fans during the first round of the 2023 NFL draft at Union Station in Kansas City. April 7, 2023: Travis Kelce throws out the first pitch before the game between the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. April 2, 2023: Travis Kelce arrives for the CMT Awards at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Feb. 15, 2023: Travis Kelce gives a speech at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 57 champions parade in downtown Kansas City. Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 57 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Feb. 12, 2023: Andy Reid and Travis Kelce celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Feb. 12, 2023: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce talks with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII over the Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce makes a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of Super Bowl LVII. Feb. 12, 2023: Travis Kelce arrives before Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Jan. 29, 2023: Patrick Mahomes raises the Lamar Hunt Trophy while Travis Kelce celebrates after the Kansas City Chiefs' 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 27, 2022: Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee swap jerseys after the game at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 20, 2022: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring on a 17-yard touchdown reception with 31 seconds left against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs won the game, 30-27. Nov. 13, 2022: Travis Kelce celebrates after a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium. Oct. 10, 2022: Travis Kelce stiff arms Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) to score a touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium. July 20, 2022: Travis Kelce arrives at the Red Carpet for the 2022 ESPY at Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. May 10, 2022: Patrick Mahomes, wife Britney, and Travis Kelce watch play during Sporting Kansas City's match against FC Dallas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Children's Mercy Park. Sporting Kansas City won the game, 4-2, in extra time. Dec. 16, 2021: Travis Kelce runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Feb. 7, 2021: Travis Kelce walks off the field after the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55 at Raymond James Stadium. Jan. 24, 2021: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the Kansas City Chiefs' win in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Jan. 17, 2021: Travis Kelce leaps over Cleveland Browns strong safety Karl Joseph (42) to score a touchdown in the Kansas City Chiefs' win in the AFC divisional playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 1, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. Sept. 10, 2020: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce celebrate after a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Feb. 5, 2020: Travis Kelce speaks to the crowd during the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl 54 championship rally in Kansas City. Feb. 2, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Jan. 19, 2020: Patrick Mahomes celebrates with Travis Kelce (87) after the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. Jan. 12, 2020: Travis Kelce celebrates a touchdown catch during the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional playoffs at Arrowhead Stadium. Dec. 15, 2019: Travis Kelce is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Todd Davis (51) at Arrowhead Stadium. Oct. 17, 2019: Travis Kelce takes a selfie with Pro Football Hall of Famer and broadcaster Michael Irvin following the June 7, 2019: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) and Travis Kelce (right) pose for a photo with ceremonial pitch kid Charlie Walsh before the Big Slick celebrity softball game at Kauffman Stadium. Jan. 20, 2019: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson (27) during the AFC championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 37-31, in overtime. Jan. 12, 2019;: Travis Kelce runs the ball as offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) blocks Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the AFC divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game, 31-13. Dec. 9, 2018: Travis Kelce spikes the ball in celebration after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium. Dec. 2, 2018: Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Kansas City Chiefs' 40-33 win against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Nov. 19, 2018: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Rams won the game, 54-51, in the highest-scoring July 18, 2018: Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole arrive for the 2018 ESPYS at Microsoft Theatre. June 8, 2018: Travis Kelce (left) shakes hands with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (right) during the first quarter of Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers, 108-85, to complete a four-game sweep. Feb. 3, 2018: Travis Kelce during red carpet arrivals for the NFL Honors show at Cyrus Northrop Memorial Auditorium at the University of Minnesota. Jan. 6, 2018: Travis Kelce is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Tye Smith (33) during the first quarter of the AFC wild-card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won the game, 22-21. Dec. 24, 2017: Travis Kelce takes the field before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium. Dec. 16, 2017: Travis Kelce leaps over Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 5, 2017: Travis Kelce celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Sep. 17, 2017: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce swaps jerseys with Jason Kelce after a game at Arrowhead Stadium. Sep. 17, 2017: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce kisses Jason Kelce after a game at Arrowhead Stadium. June 23, 2017: Travis Kelce signs autographs for fans during the Big Slick charity softball game before a Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium. Jan. 29, 2017: D.J Alexander of the Buffalo Bills and Travis Kelce hold up the trophy after the AFC's 20-13 win over the NFC in the Pro Bowl at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Dec. 25, 2016: Travis Kelce and strong safety Eric Berry (29) talk with media after the Kansas City Chiefs' 33-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Sept. 25, 2016: Travis Kelce celebrates with Kansas City Chiefs mascot KC Wolf after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. June 17, 2016: Travis Kelce takes a swing during the Big Slick Celebrity Softball game at Kauffman Stadium. Jan. 31, 2016: Travis Kelce catches a touchdown against free safety Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Dec. 20, 2015: Travis Kelce plays against the Baltimore Ravens during a 34-14 Kansas City Chiefs win at M&T Bank Stadium. Nov. 1, 2015: Travis Kelce (87) is defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Josh Wilson (30) during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium in London. Sept. 17, 2015: Travis Kelce enters the field before the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Nov. 20, 2014: Travis Kelce is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive back Neiko Thorpe (31) during a 24-20 Kansas City Chiefs win at O.co Coliseum. June 25, 2013: Travis Kelce works with kids during a NFL Play 60 event during the AFC Rookie Symposium at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Dec. 27, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce runs after catching a pass against Duke in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Cincinnati won the Belk Bowl, 48-34. Dec. 1, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce celebrates his touchdown against Connecticut at Rentschler Field. Nov. 3, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce (18) runs during the first half against Syracuse Orange at Nippert Stadium. Sept. 6, 2012: Cincinnati tight end Travis Kelce (18) is brought down by Pittsburgh defensive back Jason Hendricks (25) during the first half at Nippert Stadium. Oct. 21, 2011: Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce (18) catches a pass against South Florida at Raymond James Stadium. Sept. 12, 2009: Cincinnati's Travis Kelce (18) rushes with the ball against Southeast Missouri State at Nippert Stadium.

Travis Kelce, Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs star, through the years

Dec. 14, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reacts after catching a pas against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lost the game, 16-13, and were eliminated from playoff contention,ending a 10-season postseason streak.

"I think it's a tough case for the sneaker company,"trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben IP, who doesn't represent either party, told ESPN. "Trademarks can coexist in different industries. ... Given that the marks are essentially identical here, is a restaurant and a shoe company too close? Are consumers likely to be confused in thinking they are affiliated with one another?"

1587 Sneakers noted in the suit that they sell their shoes and clothing nationwide, meaning they have reached every state. In addition to that, they have been featured in The Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, news stations like ABC and NBC as well as "Shark Tank."

The shoe company alleges that the steakhouse is creating confusion for consumers and many have contacted the company believing it was affiliated with 1587 Prime.

1587 Sneakers is seeking for the restaurant to no longer use the name, stop selling goods with the name on it and to be awarded punitive damages.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce sued by sneaker company over trademark

Read More

Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain

February 21, 2026
Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker out at least 1 week with right hip strain

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker will miss at least one week because of a right hip strain that happened against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

Associated Press Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Austin, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker follows through during the 3-point contest at the NBA basketball All-Star weekend festivities Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Suns Spurs Basketball

The team made the announcement on Saturday before the team's game against the Orlando Magic.

Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 6.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds over 44 games this season. The 29-year-old recently missed seven straight games with a sprained right ankle.

Advertisement

The Suns also said that recently signed guard Haywood Highsmith is continuing to recover from right knee surgery last offseason. The team said Highsmith is making "good progress" and will be evaluated in 2 to 3 weeks.

The Suns have been one of the NBA's surprise teams this season with a 32-24 record, but injuries have taken a toll and they've lost four of their past five games.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Read More

Will the US attack Iran? Trump weighs options, floats limited strike

February 21, 2026
Will the US attack Iran? Trump weighs options, floats limited strike

WASHINGTON —President Donald Trumpcould make good on histhreats to attack Iranwithin days, as a growing number of U.S. warships encircle the country, and the administration pushes Tehran to make a nuclear deal fast.

USA TODAY

Trump hasfor weeks warnedof potential for military strikes on the Middle Eastern nation, as his negotiators held mediated talks with their Iranian counterparts to discuss a deal. The White House says an agreement would avert military action, and the administration was waiting for a proposal from Tehran, heading into the weekend.

The president acknowledged on Feb. 20 that a limited strike on Iran is currently on the table. "I guess I am considering that," he said in response to a question.

After a Situation Room discussion on Iran on Feb. 18, a senior administration official told USA TODAY that Trump could decide to strike Iran as soon as this weekend. He could also strike Iran next weekend — or never — the official said of the president's options. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic.

<p style=Anti-government protests in Iran appeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.

The uptick in unrest also comes as President Donald Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue."

See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Protesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. People tear down an Iranian flag after it was taken down in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. Date when the video was filmed could not be confirmed. An overturned car and multiple fires burn as protesters chant outside a police station, during Iran's biggest demonstrations in three years over economic hardship, in Azna, Lorestan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 1, 2026. Protesters gather amid evolving anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified. People gather on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. The date of the videos could not be verified. Witnesses in Tehran told Reuters that protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8. People gather on the streets during a protest in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. The date could not be verified but multiple videos verified to Mashhad were posted online on January 8. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, January 9, 2026. Burning debris lies in the middle of a street during unrest in Hamedan, Iran on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A person uses a lighter to set fire to a banner during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Burning debris lies next to an overturned dumpster in the middle of a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Rocks, tree branches, and a toppled charity box remain on a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A protester flashes victory signs as traffic slows during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Security forces detain protesters outside a commercial building on Ahmadabad Street in Mashhad, Iran on January 3, 2026. Iran has experienced recurrent waves of protests in recent years driven by political repression, economic hardship, rising living costs, and restrictions on civil and social freedoms, including women's rights. Demonstrations have frequently been met with arrests, heavy security deployments, internet disruptions, and, according to activists and rights groups, the killing of protesters, as authorities move to suppress dissent. People walk down the street, chanting in Farsi, Demonstrators attempt to force a gate open to gain access to a building during a protest in Fasa, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on December 31, 2025.

See Iran's anti-government protests, huge crowds, unrest in photos

Anti-government protests in Iranappeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders.

The uptick in unrest also comes as PresidentDonald Trumpwarned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, sayingWashington "will come to their rescue."See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified.

More:Trump says Iran has 10 days to reach nuclear deal to avoid military action

The following day,during a Feb. 19 meetingof his Board of Peace for Gaza, Trump told attendees he would know whether a deal was possible within the next 10 days.

"We may have to take it a step further or we may not," Trump said.

He said later in the day that 15 days was his maximum.

The senior official who spoke to USA TODAY said earlier on Feb. 19 that the U.S. was waiting on a proposal from the Iranians, and it should arrive within the next two weeks.

White House says 'all options' at Trump's disposal

Trump's administration is currentlylocked in negotiationswith Iran to curb itsnuclear program, and the White House has repeatedly emphasized that Trump prefers the diplomatic route. But the mediated talks have not yet produced a deal. Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuhas pushed to include Iran's ballistic missile program and funding for its proxy forces in the region in the deal – conditions that experts say the Iranians arehighly unlikely to accept.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet in Israel with Netanyahu on the evening Feb. 28. Trump has typically consulted close ally Israel on his actions in the region and worked in close coordination with Israel when it bombed Iran's nuclear siteslast June.Netanyahu also visited Trump in Washington this month.

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was spotted in the sea waters as seen from Gibraltar, with Northern Africa in the background, February 20, 2026 in this picture obtained from social media. @dparody/Instagram/via REUTERS. The ship design matched file imagery of USS Gerald R. Ford, while other vessel in the photographs matched file imagery of US Destroyers, but the exact name of the ship could not be confirmed. The shape of the mountains and road layout matched satellite imagery of the area.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a"Morning Joe" interviewon Feb. 20 on MSNOW that "there is no military solution for Iran's nuclear program."

"The only solution is diplomacy. This is why the U.S. is back on the table of negotiation and is seeking a deal," he said.

But the Iranian diplomat said his country was prepared for negotiation, "as much as we are prepared for war," if an agreement cannot be reached.

Several news outletshave reported in recent days that Trump is considering a limited initial strike, but that an operation to decapitate Iran's government ortake out leadershipis also on the table.

The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command referred USA TODAY's request for comment to the White House.

A White House official told USA TODAY in a statement, "President Trump's first instinct is always diplomacy, and he has been clear that the Iranian regime should make a deal. Of course, the president ultimately has all options at his disposal."

Trump renewed his threats in recent months as the largest protests in decades broke out in the country, prompting the Iranian regime to carry out a brutal crackdown that hasreportedly killed thousands.Trump previously sent amessage to protestersin a Truth Social post that "help is on its way," but has since shifted the goal of negotiations – and a possible military operation – to Iran's nuclear program.

Advertisement

Experts said Trump could launch an initial strike and expand as circumstances required.

"I think the idea of limited, and expanding [strikes] is something that is definitely on the table," said Brian Carter, an Iran-focused research manager at the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project.

Even a limited strike, though, could send both nations down an escalatory path, said Jennifer Kavanagh, the director of military analysis at Defense Priorities.

A limited strike is "something the military could try, but the idea that Iran isn't going to retaliate, to me, seems unlikely."

Iran has threatened to unleash attacks on U.S. troops in the region if Trump. On any given day, there are between 30,000 and 40,000 troops in the region, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command.

"They've made it clear they will retaliate, and then once they retaliate, the U.S. will have to retaliate," said Kavanagh. "Then we're into a cycle of strikes."

State of the Union looms over Trump threats

Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address to Congress on Feb. 24.

After coming under criticismfrom MAGA Republicansfor his frequent meetings with foreign leaders at the White House and overall focus on waging war and forging peace deals, the president has increased his domestic travel ahead of the midterm electionsand held moreeconomic events. He has mostly kept his meetings with visiting leaders behind closed doors after publicly broadcasting many of them in his first year in office.

President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran if the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not comply with his nuclear demands.

The optics ofTrump hitting Iran for a second time, just as he's due to barnstorm the country coming out of the address as part of an affordability-focused tourin battleground areashis party needs to win to retain control of the House of Representatives, would not be ideal.

Trumpfirst attacked Iran in June2025, when U.S. military planes at his direction dropped more than a dozen penetrating bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities. Now, he has dispatched a growing bevvy of military assets to the region to bolster his threats.

An aircraft carrier and a dozen warships are currently deployed in the region, and dozens of fighter jets, including F-22s and F-16s,headedtowards U.S. bases in the Middle East in the last week, according to open source accounts and news reports. They were accompanied by air tankers used to refuel planes while in flight. Another aircraft carrier is on the way to the region, with more naval destroyers in tow.

The entirety of the Gerald Ford carrier strike group and full U.S. military assets are not expected to arrive in the region in mid-March, the senior administration official said.

Allies have reportedly signaled they aren't willing to back up the United States if Trump launches an attack. The London Timesreportedon Feb. 19 that the United Kingdom will not allow Trump to use its military bases for an attack, followingsimilar statementsfrom Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Given the massive amount of U.S. military firepower in the region, anything is possible, Carter said.

"The U.S. military has broad enough assets to do basically anything from a relatively limited strike that would intend to push Iran in the right direction on negotiations, all the way up to a strike that intends to actually topple the regime itself," he said.

The more pressing question, Kavanagh said, is the "day after strategy."

"There is no short, limited campaign here," she said.

(This story was updated to add a video.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Is an Iran attack coming? Trump says limited strike is on the table

Read More