Story perspectives

Iran Conducts Drills Amid Tense Nuclear Talks with US

2/18/2026

Left

IRGC Conducts Drills

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began drills in the Strait of Hormuz, 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,' to test readiness.
The drills accompany the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, mediated by Oman, amid a Gulf buildup.
Officials, including Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warn that any conflict would teach the United States a lesson as talks resume, with the USS Abraham Lincoln deployed.

Right

Naghdi Declares U.S. Finished

General Mohammad Reza Naghdi of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the United States is "finished" and unable to threaten Iran.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed Iran possesses weapons that could sink American warships.
The United States deployed a second aircraft carrier strike group and additional fighter aircraft to the region as indirect nuclear talks continued in Geneva.
U.S. and Iranian officials indicated progress in negotiations despite significant gaps.

1 of 2

IRGC Conducts Drills

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began drills in the Strait of Hormuz, 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,' to test readiness.
The drills accompany the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, mediated by Oman, amid a Gulf buildup.
Officials, including Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warn that any conflict would teach the United States a lesson as talks resume, with the USS Abraham Lincoln deployed.

1 / 2