# Gulf
Latest news and articles about Gulf
Total: 2 articles found
IRGC Navy Conducts Major Drills in Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Rapid Closure Capability
Iran’s IRGC navy held major drills in the Strait of Hormuz on February 17, 2026, with its commander saying the force could close the strait rapidly if necessary. The exercise is a calibrated display of asymmetric maritime capability designed to deter adversaries and exert leverage, while full closure would be costly and escalatory for Tehran.
Muscat Hosts US–Iran Backchannel as Oman Reasserts Role as Regional Broker
Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Muscat on 6 February, hosted by Oman and attended by Iranian foreign minister Araghchi and a U.S. delegation including a presidential envoy and Jared Kushner. The session underscores Oman's long‑standing role as a discreet intermediary and opens a cautious channel for pragmatic, limited diplomacy amid significant domestic and regional constraints.