Iran and Russia Wrap Up Joint Naval Drills as U.S. Strike Carriers Loom Nearby | WATCH
Iran and Russia have concluded massive joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman as of February 19, 2026. Featuring helicopter carriers and elite IRGC units, the "pre-planned" maneuvers simulated ship-liberation tactics just as the U.S. reaches its largest military buildup in the region since 2003.
Iran and Russia have wrapped up joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, focusing on counter-terrorism and tactical operations to enhance maritime security and bilateral cooperation.
The drills, involving Iran's Navy, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Russia's Navy, included simulations of liberating a hijacked ship and other joint maneuvers.
Iranian spokesman Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou stated the exercises aimed to improve coordination and maritime security.
The exercises concluded with the departure of Russia's helicopter carrier from Iran's southern port of Bandar Abbas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the drills as pre-planned and not a cause for alarm.
Reports indicate China may participate in similar exercises later, potentially in the Strait of Hormuz.
This comes amid heightened tensions, with the US amassing its largest military presence in the Middle East since 2003, including two aircraft carriers, to pressure Iran on its nuclear program.
Russia has called for restraint while urging dialogue on Iran's nuclear issues.