Iran Holds Fire Drills In Strait of Hormuz As US Carrier Flies Non-Stop Ahead Of Geneva Nuclear Talks

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 07:36 IST

The drills came within hours of renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran on Monday launched live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The drill, named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz", was led by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the supervision of IRGC Commander in Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour.

State media said the exercise was organised to assess the readiness of operational units, review security plans and rehearse responses to potential security and military threats in the strategic waterway.

The exercises took place as the USS Abraham Lincoln carried out round-the-clock flight operations in the Middle East ahead of key nuclear discussions in Geneva.

Geneva talks resume

The drills came within hours of renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that he was in Geneva with “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal". He added, “What is not on the table: submission before threats."

Tehran said the second round of talks would be held on Tuesday with the mediation and good offices of Oman. Negotiations had restarted in Muscat on February 6 after earlier talks collapsed when Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in June, leading to a 12-day war.

US military build-up

President Donald Trump has ordered a build-up of US military forces in the Middle East and has threatened to strike Iran if it does not agree to a nuclear deal. On Friday, he also endorsed regime change in Tehran, saying it would be the “best thing that could happen" for Iran.

US Central Command shared images on X showing EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 133 and F-35C Lightning IIs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 preparing for launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The post said the aircraft carrier was operating in international waters in the Middle East and conducting around-the-clock flight operations in support of regional security.

The Pentagon has described the deployment as an “armada". The USS Abraham Lincoln is accompanied by three warships equipped with Tomahawk missiles and is at the centre of a broader US naval build-up in the region.

On Monday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said there was “significant and legitimate doubt" that Iran would agree to give up any ambitions of nuclear weaponry.

News world Iran Holds Fire Drills In Strait of Hormuz As US Carrier Flies Non-Stop Ahead Of Geneva Nuclear Talks

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