Russia and Iran are preparing to engage in joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, as reported by the Iranian news agency ISNA. The exercises aim to enhance the security of maritime navigation and deepen the relationships between the navies of Iran and Russia. The duration of these exercises has not yet been specified, highlighting the ongoing naval cooperation between the two nations amidst rising regional tensions.

In a related development, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard commenced military drills in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. On Tuesday, Iran announced partial closures of the strait for security reasons during these drills. This move underscores the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Historically, Iranian officials have threatened to close this strait, particularly when tensions with the United States escalate, though such closures have never materialized.

Currently, Iran and the United States are engaged in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear agreement in Geneva, Switzerland, amid rising tensions in the region. These military exercises by Iran and Russia could be seen as a show of solidarity against perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies, while also serving as a reminder of Iran's capabilities in controlling key maritime routes in the Persian Gulf and beyond.