Iran-US relations

Iran exercises in the Strait of Hormuz after US threats

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has begun exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reports. The purpose is said to be to prepare the guard for "potential security and military threats" and comes after the US has strengthened its military presence in the region.

Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, through which around 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

In parallel with the military escalation, talks are underway between the US and Iran about the Iranian nuclear program. President Donald Trump has threatened to attack militarily if the talks do not bear fruit.

Iran's foreign minister in Geneva for negotiations

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has landed in Geneva for new indirect negotiations with the US. This is reported by AFP, citing Iranian media. According to Iran, the talks, which are being held through mediation from Oman, will be about the Iranian nuclear program. However, Washington has expressed a desire to discuss Iran's ballistic missile program as well.

Talks between the countries have restarted after they broke down following the US's large-scale attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in June last year. One question is what has actually happened to Iran's stockpile of over 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, which UN inspectors have not been allowed to see since the attack.