The United States has renewed threats of military action against Iran following a second round of nuclear negotiations, as Tehran and Moscow announced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday that “Iran would be very wise to make a deal” with President Donald Trump, after indirect talks in Geneva ended without a major breakthrough. Leavitt added that while some progress was made, the two sides remain far apart on key issues.
President Trump, who has deployed two aircraft carriers and thousands of troops to the Gulf region, warned that the US may use an Indian Ocean airbase in the Chagos Islands if Iran refuses to negotiate, citing threats from a “highly unstable and dangerous regime.”
Earlier, a previous negotiation effort collapsed in 2025 after Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, leading to heightened tensions and military action. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and strike US military bases if provoked.
Tehran has staged Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) exercises in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for potential security threats. Iranian authorities also issued a notice to airmen for planned rocket launches across the country’s south.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran announced joint naval drills in the Sea of Oman. Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou said the exercises aim to convey “peace and friendship” while preventing unilateral actions in the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any US strike on Iran could have serious consequences, urging restraint to preserve Tehran’s ability to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme.
A senior US official said the second carrier group is expected to be fully deployed by mid-March, with ongoing consultations between Washington, Israel, and regional Gulf states to prevent escalation.
Analysts, including Barbara Slavin of the Stimson Center, warned that the combination of diplomacy and a growing US-Iran military standoff raises the risk of broader regional conflict.