Links to SIX reports: from National Public Radio, Common Dreams, and Reuters; and to TWO articles of commentary: from Indian Punchline and Common Dreams; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (Scroll down for IRAN 2-18-26 and WEST BANK, GAZA, UKRAINE and MEDIA.) — MCM

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FROM FEB. 18  U.S. military buildup continues as Iran faces possible strikes. Reported by Greg Myre | NPR  The U.S. is sending even more Navy ships and top-of-the-line warplanes into the Middle East — as the U.S. and Iran are talking about that country’s nuclear program. HERE to listen and read.

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FROM FEB. 18  Trump says ‘it may be necessary’ to use UK bases to attack Iran, by Brett Wilkins | Common Dreams  President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested that the United States could launch attacks on Iran from British territory with or without the permission of the UK government. READ MORE . . .

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FROM FEB. 18  U.S. military movements spike fears of imminent attack on Iran, by Jessica Corbett | Common Dreams   An adviser to President Donald Trump told Axios on Wednesday that “I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action” against Iran in the next few weeks following nuclear talks in Switzerland. Meanwhile, U.S .military movement fueled fears of an imminent attack. READ MORE . . .

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Russia urges restraint as U.S . builds up military assets near Iran. From Reuters. MOSCOW – Russia said today it was seeing an unprecedented escalation of tension around Iran as the United States moved military assets into the Middle East, and the Kremlin urged both Tehran and “all parties” to exercise prudence and restraint. READ MORE . . .

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FROM FEB. 18  Former Pentagon official on the latest talks between the U.S. and Iran. Michel Martin of NPR speaks with former Pentagon official Dana Stroul about the latest round of Iran talks and the potential for military action. ClickFormer Pentagon official on the latest talks between the U.S. and Iran. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM FEB. 18  As Trump marches U.S. toward Iran war, critics ask: Where’s the ‘pushback’ from Dems and media? by Stephen Prager | Common Dreams  Amid reports that President Donald Trump is pushing the U.S. toward a “massive” war in Iran, critics have found themselves shocked by the lack of “pushback” from top Democrats and mainstream media institutions. READ MORE . . .

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FROM FEB. 17  Trump takes hands-on role in Iran talks, by M.K. Bhadrakumar | Indian Punchline  U.S. President Donald Trump who has, of late, been both threatening and cajoling Tehran, is now openly identifying himself with diplomacy. READ MORE . . .

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U.S. war on Iran would be a cynical, lawless, and catastrophic escalation, by Nicolas J.S. Davies | Common Dreams  There is a grave danger that the U.S .government is preparing to exploit the genuine sympathy of people all over the world for the Iranian civilians massacred during protests in December and January as a pretext for an illegal military assault on Iran. READ MORE . . .

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