Iran and the United States intensified shows of military strength on Thursday as fragile nuclear negotiations between the two sides remained uncertain, with Tehran conducting joint drills with Russia and Washington moving another aircraft carrier closer to the Middle East.
The maneuvers highlight rising tensions. Iran this week carried out live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf that handles about one-fifth of globally traded oil. At the same time, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier moved nearer to the region, positioning close to the Mediterranean.
While the deployment of additional U.S. warships and aircraft does not necessarily signal an imminent strike on Iran, it provides President Donald Trump with that option if he chooses. Trump has so far refrained from military action after warning Tehran over its crackdown on peaceful protesters and mass executions, even as Washington resumed nuclear discussions that had been derailed by the Iran-Israel conflict in June.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested the United States could use bases such as Diego Garcia and the airfield at Fairford if Iran fails to reach an agreement, as he also pressed the United Kingdom over plans concerning the Chagos Islands.
Domestically, Iran continues to face unrest following its suppression of protests. Memorial ceremonies marking 40 days since the deaths of demonstrators have drawn mourners, with some gatherings echoing anti-government slogans despite official warnings.
Joint Drill with Russia
Iranian forces and Russian naval personnel conducted exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The drills were aimed at enhancing operational coordination and sharing military expertise.
China, which participated in previous “Security Belt” drills, was not mentioned as taking part this time. Recent sightings indicated the presence of a Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
Iran also issued warnings to pilots in the region about planned rocket launches, signaling potential anti-ship missile tests during the exercise.
Meanwhile, ship-tracking data showed the USS Gerald R. Ford off Morocco’s Atlantic coast on Wednesday, suggesting it could soon pass through the Strait of Gibraltar and head toward the eastern Mediterranean alongside its guided-missile destroyers.
Positioning the carrier there would enhance U.S. air and missile defense capabilities, potentially bolstering protection for regional allies such as Israel and Jordan in the event of conflict. Similar deployments were made during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Protests and Rising Death Toll
Mourning ceremonies for those killed during last month’s protests have gained momentum. In keeping with tradition, Iranians often hold memorials 40 days after a death. Large gatherings were reported at Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, where some participants chanted against the ruling clerical establishment while singing patriotic songs.
The protests initially erupted on Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the sharp depreciation of the rial before spreading nationwide. Tensions escalated further on Jan. 8 following calls for demonstrations by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
The Iranian government has reported 3,117 deaths linked to the unrest. However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 7,000 people have been killed, with additional casualties feared.