The Iranian Revolutionary Guard began military exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, challenging the presence of U.S. naval forces in the region. According to reports from ISNA, the joint naval exercises between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia are set to take place in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, with the goal of enhancing maritime security and military cooperation between the two nations. The exact duration of these exercises has not been disclosed.

The announcement of the military exercises comes on the heels of optimistic talks following a round of Oman-mediated negotiations in Geneva. Previous discussions aimed at improving relations between the two adversary nations floundered after unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iran in June 2025, which triggered a brief 12-day war involving the United States. The backdrop of escalating tensions in the region has heightened the significance of these joint military maneuvers, as they reflect a strategic alignment between Iran and Russia amidst strong U.S. military presence in the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump has positioned significant naval forces in the region, referred to as an 'armada'. The convergence of Russian and Iranian military initiatives indicates a potential shift in regional dynamics, underscoring a growing collaboration between these two nations in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies. This development may have broader implications for security in the Middle East, particularly relating to maritime operations and the balance of power.