Iran and US Engage in Gunboat Diplomacy as Nuclear Talks Stall

Tensions escalate as Iran holds drills with Russia and US deploys aircraft carrier near Middle East

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Iran and the United States have ramped up their military posturing in the Middle East as nuclear talks between the two nations remain in limbo. Iran conducted military drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, while the US has moved the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford closer to the region. The moves underscore the heightened tensions between the countries, with the US warning it may use military force if Iran does not reach a nuclear deal.

Why it matters

The escalating military activity between Iran and the US raises the risk of an unintended conflict in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. The nuclear talks have been a key diplomatic priority, and their collapse could lead to a dangerous escalation of tensions between the longtime adversaries.

The details

Iran's state media reported that the country conducted military drills with Russian forces in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean, aimed at 'upgrading operational coordination and exchanging military experiences.' Meanwhile, the US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to the eastern Mediterranean, potentially positioning it to protect allies like Israel and Jordan in the event of a conflict with Iran. The US has also warned that it may use military bases in the UK and Diego Garcia to strike Iran if nuclear talks fail.

  • 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, indicating it could soon transit to the eastern Mediterranean.

The players

Iran

A Middle Eastern country that has been in a longstanding dispute with the United States over its nuclear program and regional influence.

United States

A global superpower and longtime rival of Iran, which has sought to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional activities through diplomatic and military means.

USS Gerald R. Ford

A US Navy aircraft carrier that has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, potentially to provide additional military capabilities in the event of a conflict with Iran.

Russia

A global power that has maintained close ties with Iran and participated in military drills with the country, potentially complicating efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute.

Donald Trump

The former US president who has threatened to use military force against Iran if nuclear talks fail, and has sought to pressure the UK over the future of the Chagos Islands.

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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 US and its allies will likely continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain a strong military presence in the region, while diplomatic efforts to revive the nuclear talks remain uncertain.

The takeaway

The escalating military posturing between Iran and the US underscores the fragility of the nuclear negotiations and the potential for a dangerous miscalculation that could lead to open conflict in a strategically vital region of the world.