White House Warns Iran to 'Make a Deal' as Tehran Teams Up with Russia for Naval Drills

The Trump administration says Iran would be 'very wise' to cut a deal now amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The White House has warned Iran that it would be 'very wise' to make a deal with the Trump administration, as Tehran teams up with Russia for a series of naval drills in the critical Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The drills are seen as a show of military might amid a growing American military buildup in the region and possible strikes. The US has dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Middle East, joining other naval assets, as the Trump administration weighs options for dealing with Iran's nuclear program and support for terrorist proxies.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil chokepoint, with about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil flowing through annually. Iran's military exercises and joint drills with Russia in this strategic waterway raise concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies and the risk of miscalculation leading to conflict. The White House's warning to Iran to 'make a deal' suggests the Trump administration is seeking a diplomatic resolution, but tensions remain high as both sides posture militarily.

The details

Iran and Russia have held joint naval exercises annually since 2019, but this year's drills come amid a growing American military buildup in the region. The exercises are intended to 'prevent any unilateral action in the region,' according to Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsudlu. However, Russia's involvement is described as largely symbolic, with an Iranian naval officer claiming Moscow is using Tehran as 'leverage' with the West. The US has dispatched the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and other naval assets. President Trump has publicly mused about the possibility of regime change in Iran, and the US military has plans ready to strike Iran as early as this weekend, though it's unclear if Trump will make a decision by then.

  • Iran closed down parts of the Strait of Hormuz for military exercises earlier this week.
  • American and Iranian negotiators convened a second round of talks on Tuesday in Geneva.

The players

White House

The executive office of the President of the United States.

Iran

A Middle Eastern country that has been in conflict with the United States over its nuclear program and support for terrorist proxies in the region.

Russia

A global superpower that has aligned itself with Iran in recent years, providing military and economic support.

USS Gerald R. Ford

The world's largest aircraft carrier, dispatched by the US to the Middle East.

USS Abraham Lincoln

A US Navy aircraft carrier also deployed to the Middle East as part of the growing American military buildup.

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What they’re saying

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal wth President Trump and with this administration.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (nypost.com)

“Of course, a warship is a dangerous piece of military hardware. However, more dangerous than that warship is the weapon that can send that warship to the bottom of the sea.”

— Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran (X)

“The decision hadn't been made, but all these ships are not coming here because it's nice this time of year.”

— Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (Sky News Arabia)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.