Iran Denies Agreement to Renew US Talks amid Rising Maritime Tensions
Iran, Russia Hold Joint Naval Drills Amid US Tensions
Feb 20, 2026Naval forces from Iran and Russia conducted joint military exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the Northern Indian Ocean on Thursday, amid heightened tensions with the United States.
According to media reports, the drills involved Iran’s Alvand destroyer, missile-launching warships, helicopters, landing craft, special operations units and combat speedboats. The exercises were aimed at enhancing maritime coordination and operational readiness between the two countries.
The joint manoeuvres followed earlier drills this week by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz, during which the vital shipping route was temporarily closed as part of a military exercise.
The developments come amid growing speculation about a possible US military strike on Iran. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Tehran has 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement over its nuclear programme, warning that “really bad things” would happen if no deal is reached.
Last week, Trump ordered the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East. The vessel is set to reinforce the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers already stationed in the region.
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