Iran and U.S. Engage in Gunboat Diplomacy as Nuclear Talks Remain Uncertain

Tehran holds drills with Russia as Washington moves aircraft carrier closer to Mideast amid ongoing tensions

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Iran and the United States have escalated their gunboat diplomacy in the region, with Tehran conducting military drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and the U.S. moving the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford closer to the Middle East. This comes as nuclear talks between the two nations remain in limbo, with both sides jockeying for position and influence in the volatile region.

Why it matters

The heightened military posturing by both Iran and the U.S. underscores the fragile state of the nuclear negotiations and the potential for conflict in the region. The movements of additional American warships and aircraft give President Trump the ability to carry out a strike on Iran if he chooses, while Iran's drills with Russia demonstrate its willingness to flex its military muscle in response to perceived threats.

The details

Iran held a military drill with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean on Thursday, aimed at "upgrading operational coordination as well as exchange of military experiences." Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was spotted off the coast of Morocco, potentially positioning itself to protect Israel and Jordan in the event of a conflict with Iran. Iran also issued a warning about upcoming rocket-fire exercises, suggesting it plans to test anti-ship missiles.

  • On Thursday, Iran held military drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean.
  • The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was spotted off the coast of Morocco on Wednesday, potentially transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar to station in the eastern Mediterranean.

The players

Iran

A Middle Eastern country engaged in nuclear negotiations with the United States and conducting military exercises with Russia.

United States

A global superpower and one of the parties involved in the nuclear negotiations with Iran, deploying additional military assets to the region.

Russia

A global power that is participating in military drills with Iran, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who is seeking to pressure the UK over the future of the Chagos Islands and potentially use military force against Iran.

USS Gerald R. Ford

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that has been spotted moving closer to the Middle East, potentially to provide additional military capabilities in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The escalating military posturing between Iran and the U.S., coupled with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the nuclear negotiations, underscores the fragility of the situation and the potential for a dangerous confrontation in the region. Both sides appear to be positioning themselves for a potential conflict, raising concerns about the stability of the Middle East and the broader geopolitical landscape.