Iran cancels Strait of Hormuz military drills following US warnings

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has called off live-fire exercises scheduled for February 8–9 in the Strait of Hormuz, following warnings from the United States.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region after a recent Iranian drone was shot down by a US F-35 fighter over the Arabian Sea, and Iranian vessels attempted to stop a US tanker, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

These incidents raised fears of a potential disruption to upcoming US–Iran talks.

Despite the heightened tensions, the White House has confirmed that meetings planned for February 6 will go ahead as scheduled. 

Talks on Iran’s nuclear programme between the United States and Iran are expected to take place in Oman on Friday, Axios reporter Barak Ravid cited an Arab source as saying.

The source added that the Trump administration agreed to Iran’s request to move the talks from Türkiye. Discussions are ongoing over whether Arab and Muslim countries from the region will participate. The White House declined to comment.

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 3 February as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and prevent wider regional conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev