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.

The Iranian naval drill and the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea underscore the tensions between the nations.

It comes shortly after Vice President JD Vance accused Iran of failing to address core U.S. demands during nuclear talks in Geneva.

Satellite images analysed by Sky News' Data and Forensics team show Iran has fortified its nuclear and defence facilities, alongside conducting live drills with Russian forces amid rising tensions with the US military.

US-Iran tensions LIVE: US President Donald Trump launched a fresh threat on Tehran on Wednesday after mediatory talks between the two nations in Geneva. Trump said Iran would attract ‘bad things’ if it fails to strike a deal with Washington.

Iran has been joined by Russia and China in deploying naval vessels for a joint live-fire exercise in the Strait

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,

The US has amassed a vast military force in the Middle East as President Donald Trump warned Iran to reach a deal within a “maximum” of 15 days or “bad things will happen”. The American build-up is enough to sustain a weeks-long air campaign,