# naval tensions

Iran’s Bold Signals: Boat-Borne Harassment, Drone Shootdown and a Tactical Pause in Exercises Ahead of Nuclear Talks

A series of confrontations on February 3 — IRGC fast boats attempting to board a US‑flagged tanker and a US shootdown of an Iranian drone near USS Abraham Lincoln — were followed by Iran’s decision to postpone naval exercises with China and Russia. Tehran frames the delay as tactical de‑escalation ahead of nuclear talks while continuing to signal deterrence through asymmetric maritime actions.