Iran Holds Exercises in Strait of Hormuz After Trump Threatens Military Action

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Amelia Nierenberg and Sanam MahooziFebruary 16, 2026 at 07:03 PM

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On Monday, February 16, 2026, Iran conducted live military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments. The drills, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, were framed as a response to potential security threats. This action occurred a day before scheduled nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva. The exercises are viewed by analysts as a show of force amid rising tensions, as President Trump has threatened military action and expressed support for regime change if a nuclear deal is not reached. The U.S. has also increased its military presence in the Middle East, including deploying an aircraft carrier and warships.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

IRNA 40% Farzin Nadimi 40% Geneva ×240% Middle East 50% Abbas Araghchi 50% U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln 50% Persian Gulf ×360% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 70% Donald Trump ×380% United States ×380% Iran ×990% Strait of Hormuz ×695%

Keywords

strait of hormuz 100% military exercises 90% nuclear talks 80% iran 80% united states 70% military action 60% regime change 50% oil and gas shipments 50% persian gulf 40%