20 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Iran, U.S. Increase Military Presence Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

U.S. bolsters military; Iran, Russia conduct naval drills in Persian Gulf.

Tensions in West Asia are escalating as the U.S. enhances its military presence, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets, warships, and missile defense systems. Iran and Russia conducted joint naval exercises in the Persian Gulf.

Supreme Leader Khamenei urged Iranians to resist external aggression. The U.S. has indicated a potential strike against Iran.

Talks between Iran and the U.S. in Geneva, mediated by Oman, have shown some progress, but gaps remain, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Key Facts

The U.S. is increasing its military presence in West Asia.

Iran and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf.

Supreme Leader Khamenei urged Iranians to resist external aggression.

Talks between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing in Geneva, mediated by Oman.

Gaps remain between Iran and the U.S., particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Connects to India's energy security concerns and its relationship with Iran

Potential for questions on the JCPOA, IAEA, and geopolitical implications

In Simple Words

The U.S. and Iran are like two powerful countries in a tense standoff. The U.S. is sending more military equipment to the area, while Iran is doing military exercises with Russia. They're talking, but disagree on Iran's nuclear plans.

India Angle

This situation can affect India because it impacts oil prices and regional stability. Higher tensions could lead to costlier fuel and disruptions in trade, affecting the common Indian.

For Instance

Imagine your local vegetable vendor having to raise prices because the cost of transporting goods from other states has increased due to political instability on the way. That's similar to how tensions in West Asia can affect everyday costs in India.

It matters because conflict in that region can lead to higher prices for everyday goods and potential disruptions in the global economy, affecting everyone.

When big countries clash, everyone feels the ripple effects.

Visual Insights

West Asia: Areas of Increased Military Presence

This map shows the locations where the U.S. and Iran have increased their military presence, contributing to rising tensions in the region.

Loading interactive map...

📍Persian Gulf📍West Asia

More Information

Background

The current tensions between Iran and the U.S. are rooted in a complex history of political and economic factors. The Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plus Germany) and the European Union. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. In 2018, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA under President Trump, reimposing sanctions on Iran. This action significantly heightened tensions. Iran has since taken steps away from compliance with the JCPOA, enriching uranium to higher levels. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of sanctions have had a significant impact on Iran's economy, leading to increased economic hardship and political instability. This has also impacted global crude oil prices. The Persian Gulf has been a site of strategic importance for centuries, due to its vast oil and natural gas reserves. Control over these resources and maritime routes has been a source of regional and international competition. The U.S. military presence in the region is aimed at protecting its interests and allies, while Iran seeks to assert its influence and protect its own security interests.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been several attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal. Negotiations have taken place in Vienna, Austria, with the participation of Iran, the remaining JCPOA parties, and indirectly, the United States. However, these efforts have faced numerous obstacles, including disagreements over sanctions relief and verification mechanisms. Several countries, including Oman, have played a mediating role between Iran and the U.S. to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue. These diplomatic efforts aim to find a mutually acceptable solution that addresses concerns about Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor Iran's nuclear facilities and verify its compliance with the JCPOA, although its access has been limited at times. Looking ahead, the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the broader regional security situation remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and address each other's concerns. The ongoing tensions in West Asia have implications for global energy markets, regional stability, and international security.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central issue driving the increased military presence of the U.S. and Iran in West Asia?

The escalating tensions are primarily due to disagreements surrounding Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, leading to increased military posturing by both the U.S. and Iran, with the U.S. bolstering its presence and Iran conducting joint naval exercises with Russia.

2. What are the key facts to remember about the current U.S.-Iran tensions for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the U.S. is increasing its military presence in West Asia, Iran and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf, and Oman is mediating talks between Iran and the U.S. Also, be aware of the historical context related to the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA).

Exam Tip

Focus on the geographical locations and the countries involved in the conflict and mediation efforts.

3. How might the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran affect India's interests in the region?

Increased instability in West Asia can disrupt India's energy supplies, trade routes, and the safety of Indian expatriates in the region. India also has strategic interests in maintaining good relations with both Iran and the U.S., making it necessary to navigate this complex situation carefully.

4. What is the significance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in the context of current U.S.-Iran relations?

The JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump led to renewed tensions and the reimposition of sanctions, contributing to the current crisis.

5. What are the recent developments in the attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal?

Recent developments include ongoing talks between Iran and the U.S. in Geneva, mediated by Oman. These talks aim to address disagreements over sanctions relief and verification mechanisms related to Iran's nuclear program, but significant gaps remain.

6. Who are the key personalities involved in the current U.S.-Iran tensions, and what roles do they play?

Key personalities include Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has urged resistance against external aggression, and figures like Karoline Leavitt from the U.S. who represent the official stance of the U.S. government. Former President Donald Trump's policies also significantly shaped the current situation.

7. What is the role of Oman in the current U.S.-Iran situation?

Oman is playing the role of a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, hosting talks in Geneva to facilitate dialogue and potentially de-escalate tensions. Oman has historically played a neutral role in the region.

8. What are the implications of the joint naval exercises conducted by Iran and Russia in the Persian Gulf?

The joint naval exercises signal a strengthening of military cooperation between Iran and Russia and can be interpreted as a show of force in response to the increased U.S. military presence in the region. This adds complexity to the already tense geopolitical landscape.

9. How does the concept of 'Deterrence Theory' apply to the U.S.-Iran tensions?

Deterrence theory suggests that each side (U.S. and Iran) is building up military strength to discourage the other from taking aggressive actions. The U.S. aims to deter Iran from further nuclear development or regional aggression, while Iran seeks to deter the U.S. from military intervention.

10. Considering the rising tensions, what potential reforms or diplomatic solutions could de-escalate the conflict between the U.S. and Iran?

Potential solutions include a return to the JCPOA framework with revised terms, confidence-building measures to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program, and regional security dialogues involving all relevant actors. A step-by-step approach, focusing on verifiable actions, could help rebuild trust.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)? 1. The JCPOA was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries, which include China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plus Germany. 2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to completely dismantle its nuclear program. 3. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The JCPOA was indeed signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plus Germany). Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Iran agreed to LIMIT its nuclear program, not completely dismantle it. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): 1. The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose. 2. The IAEA reports directly to the United Nations Security Council. 3. The IAEA was established in 1957 as an autonomous organization within the United Nations system.

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The IAEA's mandate is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military purposes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The IAEA reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The IAEA was established in 1957 as an autonomous organization within the UN system.

3. In the context of rising tensions in West Asia, what is the primary strategic significance of the Persian Gulf?

A.It serves as a major trade route connecting Europe and Asia.
B.It is a region with vast oil and natural gas reserves.
C.It is a buffer zone between Sunni and Shia Muslim countries.
D.It is a hub for international tourism and cultural exchange.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Persian Gulf's primary strategic significance lies in its vast oil and natural gas reserves. This makes it a critical region for global energy security and a focal point for international geopolitical interests.