US threat of military action as Iran, Russia announce naval drills
The United States has renewed its threat of military action against Iran after another round of indirect nuclear negotiations, even as Tehran and Russia announced joint naval exercises aimed at bolstering their maritime cooperation in the Sea of Oman and surrounding waters.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged Iran to seize a diplomatic breakthrough, saying Washington wants to see Tehran commit to a comprehensive agreement that addresses nuclear concerns and broader regional security issues. She told reporters that while the latest talks in Geneva yielded some progress, major differences remain unresolved.
Following the discussions, Donald Trump used social media to warn that if Tehran fails to negotiate in good faith, the US may consider military options and is prepared to use strategic positions — including Indian Ocean bases — to counter perceived threats.
Iran and Russia, for their part, have framed the planned drills as an effort to strengthen maritime security and deter what they describe as unilateral military actions in the region. Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo, speaking for the joint exercise, said the manoeuvres will focus on enhancing naval cooperation while protecting commercial shipping and deterring activities that could undermine regional stability.
The announcement follows earlier live-fire drills by Iran’s naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, in a reminder of how volatile the Gulf remains amid heightened tensions.
Diplomats and analysts note that while both sides publicly commit to diplomacy, the presence of major military assets — including US carrier strike groups in the region — increases the risk of miscalculation. Some Western officials continue to press Tehran to make concessions on uranium enrichment limits and transparency, issues Iran has resisted engaging in past talks.
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