Iran flexes military muscle in Strait of Hormuz ahead of critical US‑Iran nuclear talks in Geneva

Iran staged a major military drill in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday while its top diplomat prepared for high-stakes talks in Geneva , signaling Tehran’s dual strategy of deterrence and diplomacy amid mounting pressure from the United States and Israel.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the week-long naval exercise, named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” deploying warships, helicopters, and other assets to test rapid response capabilities in one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments pass. Iranian state media described the drills as “combined, intense and targeted,” while analysts say the timing - just ahead of renewed U.S.-Iran talks are intended to signal leverage.

While Iran displays strength in the Gulf, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met in Geneva with Rafael Grossi , directorgeneral of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , to discuss verification and technical details ahead of indirect negotiations with a U.S. delegation, hosted by Oman . Araghchi also plans to meet Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al‑Busaidi . On social media, he wrote he came with “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal” but stressed that Tehran will not bow to threats.

The United States has entered the talks with two core demands : that Iran limit uranium enrichment far below weapons-grade levels and dismantle key parts of its nuclear infrastructure capable of producing enriched material. Washington is also pushing to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional proxy networks . Tehran has signaled it may discuss nuclear limitations in exchange for sanctions relief, but it refuses to negotiate its missile program , which it describes as essential to national defense.

Iran’s missile arsenal is the largest in West Asia , with estimates of over 3,000 missiles , including short- and medium-range systems capable of striking Israel, Gulf countries, and U.S. military bases. Tehran maintains that missiles are purely defensive, a crucial deterrent in the face of threats from Israel and the U.S., and will not be part of any negotiation.

Israel has pressed the U.S. to demand more than halting enrichment, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting any deal dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and include its missile arsenal. Iran, citing past Israeli strikes, sees Israel as a direct threat, reinforcing its refusal to negotiate on missiles while maintaining a strong defensive posture even amid diplomacy.

The U.S. has deployed two carrier strike groups, the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford , in a week-long operation near Iran, signaling readiness to escalate. Analysts warn any conflict now could be broader than last year’s strikes, potentially including regime-change plans, though risks remain high due to Iran’s missiles and regional influence.