US warns Iran to reach a deal or face strikes as Tehran and Moscow announce joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman.

Defense expert Cameron Chell called Iran's military moves a "calculated escalation" as U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones with strike capabilities were reportedly spotted in the region.

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in ⁠an ⁠interview made public on Wednesday, ⁠said that any new U.S. strike on Iran would have ​serious consequences and called for restraint to find a solution to enable Iran to pursue ‌a peaceful nuclear programme.

The Iranian and Russian navies have been conducting joint drills in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean as the United States issued new threats against Tehran.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran held annual military drills with Russia on Thursday as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East, with both the United States and Iran signaling they are prepared for war if talks on Tehran’s nuclear program fizzle out.

Lavrov warns that any new US strike on Iran could have serious consequences, urging restraint and diplomacy amid rising tensions and ongoing talks to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Kremlin said on

By Georgina McCartney and Siddharth Cavale HOUSTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose by more than 4% on Wednesday as traders priced in potential supply disruptions amid concerns of conflict between the United States and Iran,

Trump said the world would know in 10 or 15 days whether Iran would reach a deal to avoid military action over its nuclear program.