US threatens military action amid Iranian and Russian naval exercises

US Issues New Threats to Iran as Tehran and Russia Announce Joint Naval Exercises

The US has issued new warnings to Iran after a second round of nuclear talks ended without a significant breakthrough. The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Iran would be wise to make a deal with the US President, Donald Trump. However, progress was limited on Tuesday, and the two sides remain apart on several issues.

The US has deployed two aircraft carriers and thousands of troops to the Gulf region, which has escalated tensions in the area. The US President has also issued new threats on social media, stating that Iran may need to use an Indian Ocean airbase in the Chagos Islands if it decides not to make a deal.

Iran and Russia have announced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, aimed at deterring any unilateral action in the region. Iranian authorities have also issued a notice to airmen regarding planned rocket launches across parts of the country’s south on Thursday.

The US is demanding that Iran forgo uranium enrichment on its soil and has sought to widen negotiations to include non-nuclear issues. Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and is willing to discuss limits only in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran and Russia have agreed on “guiding principles” for a potential deal, but the US Vice President has stated that Tehran has yet to acknowledge all of Washington’s red lines. The US continues to build up its military presence near Iran, with a second aircraft carrier positioned about 700 kilometres from the Iranian coast.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any new US strike on Iran would have serious consequences and urged restraint to find a solution to enable Tehran to pursue a peaceful nuclear programme.

Source: Al Jazeera