Iranian state media reported that Russian naval vessels entered Iran’s southern waters and docked at the First Naval Region base in Bandar Abbas. Iran and Russia are scheduled to hold a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Oman, with drills expected to extend into the northern Indian Ocean. Iranian naval authorities said the exercise is aimed at boosting maritime security and coordination. The developments come amid heightened tensions with the United States, with Iran rejecting US threats and warning against military action.


US vs Iran: Russian Warships Dock In Iran As Tehran Plans Naval Drills | WION

Russia and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, deepening military cooperation and showcasing strategic maritime coordination amid rising tensions with the United States. The drills, aimed at enhancing maritime security and countering threats like maritime terrorism, come alongside broader regional military activities and diplomatic pressures.


Russia Joins Iran in Explosive Naval Showdown at the Sea of Oman 

A large fire was reported near Iran’s capital Tehran, with visuals circulating online showing thick smoke rising from the area. Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information on the cause or extent of the incident. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, though no official link to security or military activity has been confirmed.

Breaking: Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Iran’s Capital Tehran | WION

Multiple media reports citing sources familiar with White House deliberations suggest the risk of a potential US military operation against Iran is increasing if nuclear diplomacy collapses. The reports come amid a significant US military buildup in the region and continued negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While no official announcement has been made, the developments have intensified global attention on the possibility of escalation.


Breaking: Reports Citing White House Sources Say US–Iran War Imminent | WION

#Gravitas America is moving more of its war machines into West Asia. At least 50 advanced fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, are being mobilised while Iran is set to carry out military drills with Russia and China. Amidst these tensions, Iranian officials are offering U.S. companies access to vast energy and mineral reserves and pitching it as a 'trillion-dollar opportunity' for Washington. Will economic incentives help defuse a confrontation? Or is the region getting closer to an all-out war?


Iran Tempts Trump with Trillion-Dollar N-Deal as US Rushes More Firepower to West Asia | Gravitas

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet acknowledged key American “red lines” following the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva, underscoring persistent gaps in negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Officials report the United States has deployed more than 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s and F-16s, to the Middle East in a show of force alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts. Tensions remain as Washington seeks to prevent Iran from advancing towards a nuclear weapon while maintaining diplomatic engagement.


US-Iran Tensions: US VP Vance Says Iran Hasn’t Met Red Lines As US Moves 50+ Fighter Jets Near Iran

Iran said it is not seeking nuclear weapons even as it partially closed the Strait of Hormuz during talks with the United States. The development underscores rising tensions around the strategic waterway amid ongoing diplomatic engagement.


US-Iran Tensions: Iran Partially Closes Strait of Hormuz During Talks with US | WION

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran and the United States agreed on general guiding principles during the second round of nuclear talks in Geneva, though no date has been set for a third round of negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet met Washington’s red lines, underscoring continuing differences over the nuclear dispute.


US-Iran Tensions: Iran Says ‘Guiding Principles’ Agreed With US, But No Date Set For Next Talks

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran has not yet acknowledged key American “red lines” following the latest round of nuclear talks in Geneva, underscoring persistent gaps in negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Officials report the United States has deployed more than 50 fighter jets, including F-22s, F-35s and F-16s, to the Middle East in a show of force alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts. Tensions remain as Washington seeks to prevent Iran from advancing towards a nuclear weapon while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

Iran and the United States reported progress in indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying both sides agreed on a set of “guiding principles” to form the basis of a possible deal. However, Tehran also cautioned that reaching a final agreement will take time and isn’t guaranteed soon. Talks are continuing amid broader geopolitical tensions.

Iran-US Talks Progress: Araghchi Says Guiding Principles Set, Agreement Not Imminent 

Muslims across the world are preparing to begin the holy month of Ramzan, with different countries announcing varying start dates based on moon sighting traditions. Saudi Arabia has confirmed the start of Ramzan on Wednesday, while Iran will begin observance on Thursday. The difference stems from variations in moon sighting practices and religious jurisprudence. Saudi Arabia primarily follows Sunni Islamic traditions, while Iran follows Shia Islamic traditions, which can result in differing confirmations of the crescent moon.


Ramzan Begins Worldwide As Saudi And Iran Announce Dates

Ali Khamenei has issued a sharp warning to the United States, declaring that even the “world’s most powerful military” can be dealt a crushing blow. His remarks come as renewed talks between Tehran and Washington begin in Geneva.
Khamenei said the US would “not succeed” in destroying the Islamic Republic and warned that American warships deployed in the Gulf could be sunk. The comments are being seen as a direct message to Donald Trump amid fragile diplomatic engagement.
As tensions simmer in the Gulf region, the rhetoric underscores the deep mistrust that continues to shape US-Iran relations — even as negotiations resume.
What does this mean for nuclear talks? Could military escalation derail diplomacy? Watch the full report for key takeaways and geopolitical analysis.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump Issues Final Warning To Tehran, Geneva Talks Under Shadow Of War

The second round of Iran–US nuclear talks has concluded with Tehran claiming a “broad agreement” on guiding principles for a potential deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as constructive but cautioned that progress does not mean a final agreement is imminent. No date has been set for a third round of negotiations.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran has yet to meet Washington’s “red lines,” signaling that major gaps remain.

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: US Aircraft Carrier Leaves Caribbean, Heads To West Asia

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: Iran Says 'Guiding Principles' Agreed, Vance Says 'Red Lines Not Met'

US President Donald Trump's second-in-command, Vice President JD Vance, claims that Iran has yet to acknowledge the United States' "red lines". Vance said "in some ways" the United States' diplomatic talks with Iran went well as both parties agreed to meet afterward.

Iran-US Nuclear Talks: Iran Still Not Willing to Acknowledge Trump Red Lines: Vance

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that Iran has no ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. Amid ongoing US-Iran talks in Geneva, Tehran rejects claims suggesting otherwise. Officials emphasize that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful, focusing on energy and research, while addressing international concerns over transparency and facility activities.

Iranian President Reaffirms No Nuclear Weapons Ambition

Iran’s Khamenei Warns US Warship Can Be Sunk | Says America ‘Will Not Succeed’

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Monday (February 16, 2026) began a series of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported, on the eve of talks with the United States.


War Games in Strait of Hormuz To 'Prepare Guards For Military Threats'

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious “consequences” if Tehran fails to strike a nuclear deal with Washington, as negotiators prepare for a new round of talks in Geneva. Trump said he will be involved “indirectly” in the negotiations and believes Iran is interested in an agreement but cautioned that failing to reach one could carry significant repercussions.

US-Iran Talks: Trump Warns Iran of Severe Consequences Ahead of Geneva Talks 

Visiting Israel, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said an American decision on Iran could come in “weeks, not months.” He outlined two possible paths — a diplomatic solution to address national security concerns or a potential military option — as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.

Iran Decision a Matter of "Weeks, Not Months" Says US Senator Graham in Tel Aviv

As talks between Tehran and Washington are set to start in Geneva tomorrow, Iran is signalling openness to reaching a nuclear deal. However, it has also conducted major naval drills and, along with its regional allies, warned of devastating retaliation. The U.S., on the other hand, has also shown a willingness to pursue diplomacy while keeping its military options open. Is this the last chance for peace, or the final countdown to a regional war?


Khamenei Offers Peace Deal, While Iran Allies Threaten Hellfire

Amidst the diplomatic tensions over the nuclear deal with the US, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy began a military exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, local media reported on Monday (Feb. 16). The drill was named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," and was reported being led by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It was also reported that IRGC's Commander-in-Chief Major General Mohammad Pakpour, was supervising the process. The exercise aimed to assess the readiness of operational units, review security plans, and rehearse scenarios for a military response to potential security threats.


IRGC Carries Out Live-fire Exercises, Iran Issues Notam for Live-fire Drills Near Strait of Hormuz

A second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States is set to take place in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Switzerland, while US representatives including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to participate.

Tehran has signalled readiness to discuss possible compromises as both sides explore a potential deal amid ongoing tensions.

US Military Preparing For Potentially Weeks-Long Iran Operation 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined clear red lines ahead of renewed U.S. , Iran nuclear negotiations, insisting that any future agreement must require all enriched uranium to be removed from Iran and that Tehran’s ability to enrich must be dismantled. Netanyahu’s remarks came as Iranian officials, including Abbas Araghchi, head to Geneva for the second round of talks with U.S. counterparts aimed at preventing further escalation and reaching a diplomatic deal.

Iran US Nuclear Talk: Israel Demands Complete Uranium Removal in Iran Nuclear Deal

iran

Iran, News on Iran, stories on Iran, articles on Iran, Iran stories at Wion, Iran news, Iran latest news