Iran stages Hormuz Strait naval drill on eve of nuclear talks with U.S.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill took place a day before renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.

The drill, named “Smart Control of Hormuz Strait”, was conducted in the strategic waterway through which roughly 20% of global oil shipments pass, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The exercise was organised to assess the preparedness of operational forces in the face of “possible security and military threats”, the report said.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, linking Gulf oil producers to international markets. Any disruption to shipping there can have immediate effects on global energy prices and supply chains.

The manoeuvres took place as Iranian and U.S. officials prepared to resume talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While Iranian authorities did not directly link the drill to the negotiations, the timing underscores ongoing regional tensions and Tehran’s emphasis on safeguarding its maritime interests.

• FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Geneva ahead of second round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks

Iran has previously staged similar exercises in and around the Strait during periods of heightened friction with Western powers.

The Revolutionary Guards navy, which operates alongside Iran’s regular navy, plays a central role in patrols and security operations in the Gulf waters.

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