Naval forces of Iran and Russia carried out a joint military exercise in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean amid rising tensions in the region.
According to reports, the drill included Iran’s Alvand destroyer, missile-launching warships, helicopters, landing craft, special operations teams, and high-speed combat boats. The exercise aimed to improve coordination between the two navies and strengthen maritime security cooperation.
The joint drill came shortly after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted its own military exercise in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. During that drill, the strategic waterway — a key route for global oil shipments — was temporarily closed as part of the exercise. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, and any disruption there can impact global energy markets.
The military activities have taken place amid speculation about a possible United States strike on Iran. US President Donald Trump recently warned that Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement over its nuclear programme. He cautioned that “really bad things” could happen if no deal is reached within that time.
The developments have added to concerns about growing instability in the region. While Iran says its drills are defensive and meant to ensure regional security, the strong statements from Washington indicate increasing pressure over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy prevails or tensions escalate further.