Iran is cooperating with Russia and China in conducting naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, which is heightening regional tensions, even as diplomatic discussions between Washington and Iranian negotiators are underway to prevent military conflict.
This week, Iran revealed plans for naval maneuvers in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions in Geneva. Russian and Chinese vessels have joined Iran for a joint operation named Maritime Security Belt 2026, expected to continue until mid-February.
Since late January, as tensions with Tehran have intensified, the U.S. has deployed hundreds of aircraft, including two aircraft carriers, and increased naval presence in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei went as far as to declare that U.S. warships could be sent to the “bottom of the ocean.”
Russian Presidential Advisor Nikolai Patrushev mentioned that Moscow aims to foster a “multipolar world order on the oceans,” encouraging the use of BRICS nations to challenge Western dominance.
On a related note, Iranian naval traffic faced interruptions during live-fire drills conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday.
The timing of these exercises coincided with a second round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva, where the U.S. delegation was led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, with Iran represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi. While both sides made some agreements on guiding principles, significant work remains as discussions primarily focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.
Iran’s representatives mentioned they would return in two weeks with detailed proposals. The U.S. military assets in the region have been increased since late January to reinforce safety and stability, deploying advanced vessels including the USS Gerald R. Ford, among others.
Despite a seemingly conciliatory attitude in Geneva, Iranian leaders continue their antagonistic rhetoric toward the U.S. Khamenei has commented on the dangers posed by aircraft carriers, suggesting that weapons capable of sinking them pose an even greater threat. He also hinted that even powerful armies can be caught off guard.
General Mohammad Reza Nagdi from the Revolutionary Guards asserted that the U.S. is “finished,” suggesting military might, even with a fleet of aircraft carriers, wouldn’t have much of an impact.
Amid these developments, the president has expressed a desire for a diplomatic resolution and warned that failing to reach a deal could have serious repercussions for Iran, indicating that it could lead to a “very traumatic” military response. He previously mentioned that regime change in Iran might be beneficial.
