Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated on Thursday as both sides signalled readiness for confrontation while fragile nuclear negotiations remained stalled. Tehran carried out joint naval drills with Russia, while Washington moved another aircraft carrier closer to the Middle East, underscoring the precarious state of diplomacy. 

Iran’s show of force coincided with increasing domestic unrest and renewed military posturing from Washington, raising concerns that the long-running dispute could widen into a broader confrontation.

Naval drills add pressure to delicate talks

Iran’s state-run media said naval forces conducted exercises with Russian sailors in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, aimed at strengthening coordination and sharing operational experience. The report made no mention of China, which took part in earlier iterations of the “Security Belt” exercise.

The drills followed a separate live-fire exercise earlier this week in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil shipments. Authorities also issued a rocket-fire alert to regional pilots, indicating preparations for anti-ship missile launches.

Meanwhile, satellite and tracking data placed the USS Gerald R. Ford near Morocco, suggesting the vessel and its accompanying warships could soon transit into the eastern Mediterranean. American carriers were similarly deployed during the Israel-Hamas conflict to shield Israel and Jordan against potential Iranian attacks.

Trump signals possible strike options

The repositioning of additional US military assets does not guarantee immediate action but provides President Donald Trump with more options if talks collapse.

“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 platform, pressuring the United Kingdom over its negotiations with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands.

Washington has so far refrained from military strikes despite publicly setting red lines over Tehran’s handling of peaceful protests and mass executions.

Domestic unrest intensifies inside Iran

As Tehran asserts military strength abroad, protests continue to reverberate at home. Ceremonies marking 40 days since the killing of demonstrators by security forces drew mourners to Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, where some participants chanted anti-government slogans.

The demonstrations began on 28 December at the capital’s historic Grand Bazaar amid public anger over the collapse of the rial. They widened nationwide and surged again on 8 January after calls by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

Iran’s government has given a single death toll of 3,117 people. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates more than 7,000 killed, with fears the real number is higher.

(With AP inputs)