Iran and Russia are set to begin joint naval exercises on Thursday in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, highlighting growing military cooperation between the two countries amid heightened regional tensions.
Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsoudloo, spokesperson for the drills, said the manoeuvres are aimed at strengthening maritime security and enhancing coordination between the participating naval forces.
The planned exercise follows recent military drills by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, widely seen as a show of strength in response to the continued presence of United States naval forces in the region.
Diplomatic tensions and timing
The drills come at a sensitive moment, coinciding with a second round of Oman-mediated negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
Although Iranian officials have expressed cautious optimism about the talks, regional tensions remain high.
Diplomatic relations have been fragile since the collapse of earlier negotiations following an Israeli strike on Iran in June 2025 that triggered a 12-day conflict and briefly drew direct U.S. military involvement.
Strategic importance of Hormuz
Iran recently announced a partial and temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for “security reasons” during its military exercises a significant move given the waterway’s role as a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
While Iran has previously threatened to block the strait, it has never fully shut it.
The United States has maintained a strong naval presence in the area, described by Donald Trump as a naval “armada,” underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
Growing alliance, global implications
Observers say the joint drills signal Iran’s effort to counterbalance U.S.-led maritime dominance while strengthening strategic partnerships.
With a significant portion of the world’s energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, any military activity in the corridor attracts global attention.
Analysts are watching closely to determine whether the exercises are meant to strengthen Iran’s negotiating leverage or indicate a tougher stance against Western influence in the Middle East
