Iran has ordered its military to its highest alert level as signs point to a possible US strike, a dangerous escalation for the whole Middle East and bad news for anyone counting on calm in the region.

• Iran's military command says any attack will trigger unlimited strikes on all US bases and interests in the region, and warns neighboring countries that help the US will be treated as attackers too.
• Trump cut short his Camp David weekend and Netanyahu cut short his US trip on the same day, and every US embassy in the Middle East issued a security alert telling Americans to stay watchful and expect flight cancellations.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth is rallying troops with Bible-heavy "send me" language, framing the fight as the latest in a line against the redcoats, communists, and Islamists.
• Trump is also converting a planned triumphal arch in Washington into a military complex to house drones, snipers, and ammunition, and is limiting journalist access.
• At the same time, Chinese President Xi visits Washington this week for talks on AI, trade, critical minerals, and Iran, with Treasury Secretary Bessent leading the trade side and Chinese cars like BYD a possible bargaining chip.

Outlook: With Iran on top alert, embassies warning citizens to leave, and leaders rushing home, a US strike on Iran looks likely in the coming days, and Xi's visit may be the last chance to defuse it.