Tensions are reaching a boiling point as Russia and Iran plan joint military exercises, with concerns over possible US military involvement. The drills, happening on February 19 in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, aim to enhance maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts, according to Iranian navy commander Hassan Maghsoodloo.

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These exercises, which began as part of the 2019 Maritime Security Belt involving China, showcase a united stance against Western geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is conducting maneuvers in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, amid threats of US intervention.

President Donald Trump has previously warned of potential strikes against Iran, largely in response to the regime’s severe crackdown on protestors. As the bond between Russia and Iran appears stronger than ever, sources suggest the US might be on the verge of a major Middle Eastern conflict, possibly involving Israel. This would represent the most significant US intervention in at least a decade.

The US aims to keep its military actions contained within Iran, if intervention occurs, but the question remains whether Tehran’s allies, such as Russia, would retaliate, potentially sparking a wider conflict.

Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue. Recent negotiations in Geneva, involving Trump’s advisers and Iran’s Foreign Minister, showed some progress but failed to resolve fundamental disagreements. Both sides admitted to making headway, but certain issues remain unresolved.

Vice President JD Vance acknowledged these diplomatic challenges, highlighting Trump’s desire for a deal while noting Iran's reluctance to meet US demands. He remarked that diplomacy may have reached its "natural end," adding to the uncertainty of the situation.

As the world watches these developments closely, the potential for conflict remains high, raising fears of a new war in the Middle East.

Key Takeaways

• Russia and Iran prepare for joint naval exercises.

• US military intervention seems increasingly likely.

• Diplomacy struggles with unresolved issues between the US and Iran.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 18 Feb 2026

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The Maritime Security Belt Exercise is an annual event, same place every time. The Americans know it was happening. Senstationalist news.

2025 exercise report

https://www.specialeurasia.com/2025/03/12/maritime-security-belt-2025/

2024 exercise

https://news.usni.org/2024/03/14/russia-china-and-iran-finish-drills-in-gulf-of-oman

2023 exercise

https://www.naval-technology.com/news/china-iran-russia-maritime-exercise/

WW3 - how?

An expansionist oppressive China and Russia under Xi and Putin; both of which are running extensive global "grey zone" operations.

A deranged mad man-child in the White House.

And the final piece - global billionaires believe now is there best time for them to achieve global power control.

What could possibly cause WW3.

If Russia and Iran want to have military drills in Iranian space.

The USA needs to keep it's nose out of it.

The US carries out military drills all over the world.

So why shouldn't others do the same?

Rather than calling it WW3, may I suggest naming it after madman in White House who is obsessed with getting his name everywhere on everything:

World War Trump

The footsteps of war don't seem to gel with the promise of America First. The no war and no regime change rhetoric made during the campaign change feel like a con job to the guillible worshippers of the orange charlatan. Along the way, let him blew up the deficit and add more debt burden to the people.

This show of counterforce will spook Trump.

He doesn't have the cojones for a real conflict.

The Israelis will be disappointed in him once again.

Terrifying reading until you look at the source - the Daily Express newspaper. Moving on.....

Russia in kind of busy at the moment so they will be a no-show. Belligerent rhetoric only just like the US.

On 2/19/2026 at 9:39 AM, AnnaBanana said:

This show of counterforce will spook Trump.

He doesn't have the cojones for a real conflict.

The Israelis will be disappointed in him once again.

That's quite true.

There are credible reasons why the US hasn't decisively won a major military engagement since 1945.

The absence of a strong will to fight is #1.

The impressive civilian and military effort that won a two-front world war in the 1940s has never been successfully reactivated, although not for lack of trying.

This led to a stalemate in Korea; an ignominious defeat in Vietnam, and several invasions of countries in the Middle East that resulted in catastrophic outcomes, not least of all for the principal aggressors, the US and Israel.

Look at them - America is in the worst social and economic condition that I can ever remember.

Israel has become an international pariah living on borrowed time until it inevitably goes the way of Apartheid South Africa.

Sanity's revenge will come down hard on both of them.