Iran, Russia conduct joint naval drill amid Trump’s 15-day deadline for Tehran | World News

As tensions with the United States intensify due to stalled nuclear negotiations and a significant US military build-up in the Middle East, naval forces from Iran and Russia carried out coordinated exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on Thursday.

According to Iranian military sources, elements from Iran’s regular army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Russian forces participated in the joint exercise. Activities included simulated operations to recapture a hijacked ship with the participation of Iran’s Alvand destroyer, missile-armed warships, helicopters, landing craft, special forces teams and fast gunboats.

The exercise follows the IRGC’s recent exercise in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, in which Tehran temporarily closed the strategic waterway; According to analysts, this exercise aims to demonstrate the ability to disrupt global energy flows in the event of conflicts.

US edition and deadline

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program, saying Iran has about 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement with the US or face “really bad things”; it was a stern warning amid fears of imminent military action.

Trump’s comments aboard Air Force One underscored the White House’s impatience with the pace of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva this week, which U.S. officials say have made limited progress but still leave key differences unresolved.

While Trump and the White House have insisted that diplomacy remains the preferred option, senior aides reiterated that the US military, backed by the deployment of two aircraft carriers and fighter jets to the region, is ready to take action if talks fail.

Military buildup and regional reactions

Last week, the United States ordered the redeployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group already operating in the region. US defense officials say this stance of forces gives Washington options for limited or larger-scale attacks if Tehran does not accept US demands.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, CNN reported that American forces could be prepared to strike Iranian targets “as early as this weekend” if negotiations break down, although the exact timing and targets have not been made public.

In Moscow, Russian officials called for restraint amid the military buildup, calling on “all parties in the region” to resolve disputes through diplomacy as Tehran and Moscow continue to deepen security cooperation.

Global concerns and diplomatic implications

Rising tensions have led countries such as Poland to advise their citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning of the risk of “violent conflict”. European and Middle Eastern governments have also expressed concern about the potential for wider regional instability.

Iranian and US delegations completed the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva earlier this week. While Tehran described the discussions as more “constructive”, it reiterated its reluctance to meet broader US demands regarding missile capabilities and regional alliances; these are sticking points that continue to derail progress.

What’s next?

Analysts warn that the coming days could be critical as both sides maintain firm positions and deploy military assets. A breakthrough in negotiations could prevent conflict, but if that fails, U.S. officials have signaled they are ready to escalate tensions, while Tehran and its allies have shown they are prepared to resist forcefully.