Monday, February 16, 2026-Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched major military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, just one day before a crucial second round of nuclear negotiations with the United States is set to begin in Geneva, Switzerland.
The drills, described by Tehran as “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” are designed to test the readiness of Iran’s naval forces, refine military response plans, and showcase strategic capabilities in the vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply transits. The timing of the exercise underscores the heightened tensions between the two nations as diplomats prepare for high-stakes talks.
The Strait of Hormuz sits at the heart of global energy flows and has long been a flashpoint between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials say the exercises are routine and defensive, aimed at ensuring security against perceived threats and demonstrating their leverage in the region.
Meanwhile, U.S. military presence in the broader Gulf—bolstered by additional aircraft carriers and warships—signals sustained pressure on Tehran to make meaningful concessions. In turn, Iranian leaders have stressed that their nuclear program is peaceful and non-negotiable beyond certain points, while rejecting restrictions on their missile capabilities and regional influence.
Diplomats and security analysts watching the unfolding situation describe the drills as both a strategic reminder of Iran’s capabilities and a test of Washington’s resolve under diplomatic pressure. With talks set to resume in Geneva under Omani mediation, negotiators from both sides face the delicate task of balancing military posturing with diplomatic engagement. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this confrontation opens a path to de-escalation or deepens regional instability.
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