Iran-Russia drills simulate ship hijack: Putin's secret message to Trump from Iran?

Tensions in the Gulf have escalated sharply as Iran and Russia carried out joint military exercises in highly strategic waters. On February 19, the two countries held a coordinated naval drill in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, showcasing growing defense cooperation. As part of the exercise, the Russian corvette Stoikiy sailed into Iranian waters and docked at a naval base in Bandar Abbas, underscoring Moscow’s visible support for Tehran at sea. Naval units then conducted boarding drills simulating the liberation of a hijacked commercial vessel, highlighting a scenario that directly touches global shipping security.