Russia, Iran to Hold Joint Naval Drills in Sea of Oman Amid US Tensions

• Russia and Iran will conduct joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, Iranian media reported.
• The drills signal increasing military coordination between Moscow and Tehran during sensitive diplomatic talks between Iran and the US.
• Iran's IRGC recently held separate drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint, seen as a show of force.
• The exercises aim to strengthen maritime security and deepen relations between the two navies.
• The drills follow Oman-mediated negotiations between Iran and the US in Geneva and a significant US naval presence in the region.