Military Tensions Rise Between US and Iran as Nuclear Negotiations Stall

Military tensions escalate between the United States and Iran as both nations conduct military exercises while nuclear negotiations remain uncertain. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier moves closer to the Middle East as Iran holds joint drills with Russia.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Military tensions between the United States and Iran escalated Thursday as both countries engaged in shows of naval force while nuclear negotiations remained uncertain, with Tehran conducting joint exercises with Russia as Washington moved an aircraft carrier closer to Middle Eastern waters.

The Iranian military exercise alongside the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the Mediterranean Sea entrance highlight growing tensions between the two nations. Earlier this week, Iran also conducted live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway that handles one-fifth of global oil shipments.

The deployment of additional American naval vessels and aircraft doesn’t necessarily signal an imminent U.S. military strike against Iran, but it provides President Donald Trump with operational capabilities should he decide to take such action. Trump has thus far refrained from military action despite establishing clear boundaries regarding the deaths of peaceful demonstrators and Tehran’s mass executions, while attempting to restart nuclear discussions previously interrupted by the Iran-Israel conflict in June.

“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website, seeking to pressure the United Kingdom over its plans to settle the future of the Chagos Islands with Mauritius.

Concurrently, Iran faces domestic turmoil following its harsh response to protests, with families now conducting memorial services for those killed 40 days after their deaths at the hands of security forces. Several of these gatherings have featured anti-government demonstrations, despite official warnings from authorities.

Thursday’s military exercise involved Iranian and Russian naval personnel operating in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean waters, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency. The exercise focused on “upgrading operational coordination as well as exchange of military experiences,” IRNA reported.

While China participated in the “Security Belt” exercise in previous years, there was no confirmation of Chinese involvement in this iteration. Recently, what appeared to be a Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette was observed at Iran’s Bandar Abbas military facility.

Iranian authorities also issued warnings to regional pilots about potential rocket launches, indicating plans to test anti-ship missiles during the exercise.

Tracking information revealed the Ford positioned off Morocco’s Atlantic coast Wednesday afternoon, suggesting the carrier could pass through Gibraltar and potentially deploy to the eastern Mediterranean alongside its escort destroyers.

Stationing the carrier in that region would provide American forces with additional aircraft and defensive missile capabilities to potentially safeguard Israel and Jordan if hostilities with Iran develop. The U.S. employed similar naval positioning during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza to counter potential Iranian attacks.

Memorial ceremonies for protest victims killed by security forces last month have intensified. Iranian tradition calls for commemorating deceased family members 40 days after their passing. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage documented memorial gatherings at Tehran’s expansive Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. Some ceremonies featured participants chanting against Iran’s religious government while performing patriotic songs.

The protest movement started December 28 at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, initially triggered by Iran’s currency collapse, then expanded nationwide. Tensions peaked January 8, coinciding with demonstrations organized by Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi.

Iran’s administration has provided only one official casualty count for the violence, claiming 3,117 deaths. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has maintained accuracy during previous Iranian unrest periods, estimates over 7,000 fatalities, with additional deaths suspected.