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Iran-Russia Naval Drill Amid Trump's 15-Day Nuclear Deal Ultimatum

Naval forces from Iran and Russia conducted a joint exercise in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, featuring a simulated ship liberation operation. This drill coincides with a stark warning from US President Donald Trump, who stated Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach a nuclear deal or face severe consequences. US media reports, citing sources, indicate the military is prepared for potential strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, which could escalate into a large-scale campaign. While recent indirect nuclear talks were termed "constructive," the tense military posture has prompted some nations, like Poland, to advise their citizens to leave Iran.

Key Points: Iran-Russia Naval Drill as Trump Sets Deadline for Nuclear Deal

  • Joint Iran-Russia naval drill in Gulf of Oman
  • Trump's 10-15 day nuclear deal ultimatum
  • US military buildup with aircraft carriers
  • Reports warn of potential strikes within days
  • Indirect nuclear talks described as "constructive"
3 min read

Iran, Russia hold joint drill as Trump hints at 15-day deadline

Iran and Russia conduct joint naval exercises as Trump warns of "really bad things" if no nuclear deal is reached within 10-15 days, raising war fears.

"I would think that would be enough time. - Donald Trump"

Cairo, Feb 20

Naval forces of Iran and Russia held a joint drill in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, amid growing speculation about an impending US military strike against Iran.

Special operation teams from Iran's army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Russia conducted an operation to liberate a hijacked ship during the exercise, Xinhua news agency reported quoting a report on the Iranian army's website.

The drill involved Iran's Alvand destroyer, missile-launching warships, helicopters, landing craft, special operation teams, and combat speedboats, among others, the report said.

The exercise followed an IRGC drill in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, which included a temporary closure of the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach a deal over its nuclear program, warning that otherwise "really bad things" will happen.

"I would think that would be enough time," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Last week, Trump ordered the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to the Middle East, reinforcing the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers already in the region.

After a significant buildup of US air and naval assets in the Middle East in recent days, the US military is prepared to strike Iran "as early as this weekend," CNN reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Axios, another US news outlet, reported Tuesday that an advisor to Trump estimated a "90 per cent chance" of strikes within weeks if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail.

Any US operation could involve a large-scale, weeks-long campaign, potentially conducted jointly with Israel, targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs and posing a major threat to Tehran's leadership, Axios reported.

On Thursday night, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Trump is weighing "an initial limited military strike" on Iran to compel it to meet his demands for a nuclear deal.

"The opening assault, which if authorised could come within days, would target a few military or government sites," it reported, adding that if Iran "still refused to comply with Trump's directive to end its nuclear enrichment," Washington will respond "with a broad campaign against regime facilities."

Iran and the United States concluded a second round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Iran described the talks as more "constructive" than the first round, while US officials acknowledged progress but said "there are still a lot of details to discuss."

Earlier on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to set a deadline for further talks, stating that while "there are many reasons and arguments for striking Iran," diplomacy remains Trump's "first option."

Given the tense situation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Wednesday urged Polish citizens in Iran to leave immediately and advised against travel there.

Tusk said he did not intend to cause panic but warned that the risk of a "violent conflict" remains significant.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The joint drill between Iran and Russia is clearly a message to the US. While we need stability in the region, these constant threats and military posturing from all sides are worrying. Our government must ensure the safety of Indian ships and citizens in the area.
R
Rohit P
Another 15-day deadline? Feels like déjà vu. This aggressive approach rarely works. India has good relations with both Iran and the US. We should use our diplomatic channels to encourage calm and dialogue. War benefits no one.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India, I'm concerned about the regional spillover. The Strait of Hormuz closure drill is a major red flag. Millions of barrels of oil pass through there daily. Our strategic interests demand a peaceful resolution.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the article could focus more on the potential humanitarian cost. The talk is all about carriers and strikes, but what about the ordinary people in Iran? We've seen what happens in the Middle East when conflicts start. Hope wisdom prevails.
K
Karthik V
The timing is critical. With the world economy still recovering, a conflict here would be disastrous. India imports a lot from Iran and has investments in Chabahar port. Stability is in our national interest. Jai Hind.

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