Russia–Iran drills, US aircraft carrier: escalating military tension

Live Updates: Tensions Rise as U.S. Warns Iran Amid Naval Movements

Iran conducted its annual military drills with Russia on Thursday, while a second U.S. aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East, signaling rising tensions between the two nations over Tehran’s nuclear program. Both sides appear prepared for potential military escalation if diplomatic talks fail.

President Donald Trump warned that Iran has only “10 to 15 days” to reach a meaningful deal. “It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen,” Trump stated.

Despite years of deadlocked negotiations, recent indirect talks have shown little progress. Iran has refused to address broader U.S. and Israeli demands, including scaling back its missile program and cutting ties with armed groups.

While additional U.S. warships and aircraft movements, including the USS Gerald R. Ford near the Mediterranean, do not guarantee a strike, they enhance America’s readiness if Trump chooses military action.

So far, Trump has refrained from military strikes, emphasizing red lines regarding the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions. Iran has agreed to submit a written proposal addressing U.S. concerns raised during the latest indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, according to a senior U.S. official speaking anonymously.