Iran, Russia, and China conducted joint military drills near the Strait of Hormuz as US threats against Iran intensify and regional actors prepare for possible escalation.
Iran has concluded wide-ranging joint military exercises with Russia and China in waters stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the northern Indian Ocean, as regional tensions escalate amid explicit US threats of military action against Tehran.
Joint Drills across Strategic Waterways
Iranian state and regional media reported that the exercises, named Zolfaghar 1400, involved naval, aerial, and ground forces operating across the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and parts of the northern Indian Ocean.
According to sources cited by Al-Jazeera, Iran’s navy will continue maneuvers in the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean in the coming days. The drills included forces from the Iranian army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, as well as participating units from Russia and China, as part of routine annual exercises.
Iran’s Nour News agency reported that additional joint drills involving the three countries are scheduled to take place near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.
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Israel’s ex-DM Gallant says Israel should join if the U.S. strikes Iran pic.twitter.com/jERyDtKhEc
— RX (@TheReal_RX) January 27, 2026
Airspace Restrictions and Live-Fire Activity
Ahead of the exercises, Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), warning of live-fire military activity in the airspace surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the notice, military firing activity was conducted between January 27 and 29 within a five-nautical-mile radius. The airspace—from ground level up to 25,000 feet—was designated as restricted and hazardous throughout the duration of the maneuvers.
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US Threats and Military Buildup
The drills come amid heightened tensions with Washington, as US President Donald Trump openly threatened military action against Iran and confirmed the deployment of additional naval forces to the region.
Trump said “very big, very powerful ships” were sailing toward Iran, adding that he hoped they would not have to be used. The Pentagon has since accelerated the deployment of a carrier strike group, advanced fighter squadrons, and missile defense systems to the Middle East.
Asked about messages conveyed to Tehran, Trump said he warned Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons and demanded an end to the killing of protesters.
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Iran Warns of Swift Retaliation
Iranian officials responded by reiterating that any US attack would be met with an immediate and decisive response.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Iran considers itself in a state of “war readiness,” adding that while Tehran would not initiate conflict, it would defend itself “with full force.”
Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia warned that any “miscalculation” by Iran’s enemies would be met with a real-time response “without delay.”
https://twitter.com/iraninarabic_ir/status/2017149920013156626
Israeli Preparations and US-Israel Coordination
Israeli media reports suggested that a US strike on Iran could occur within hours or days. Maariv reported that Israel has raised its military readiness to the highest operational level, preparing for both defensive and offensive scenarios.
Israeli military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder visited Washington this week, meeting with senior Pentagon, CIA, and White House officials. Israeli media also reported a recent meeting between US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper and senior Israeli commanders, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.
Israeli officials reportedly believe a potential US strike would focus on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs rather than regime change.
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Türkiye Calls for Coordination and Mediation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during an official visit to Istanbul, stressed the importance of close coordination between Iran and Türkiye to address regional challenges.
Araghchi criticized Europe’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, calling it a strategic error that would further undermine Europe’s international role.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering Türkiye’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington to help de-escalate tensions.
Araghchi is expected to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Erdogan during the visit.
(PC, Anadolu, Al-Mayadeen, QNN)
hi there. I report the news and give analysis on social media. I believe this article is incorrect. Iran has confirmed live fire drills but china and russia re not involved. if we are talking about trilateral naval drills, the last ones in the hormuz region was march of last year. i dont want to mislead people, and im sure you guys are the same. Godspeed!