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.

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

Iran held annual military drills with Russia as a second American aircraft carrier drew closer to the Middle East.

Russia will join Iran for joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman near a US aircraft carrier group, Tehran has announced.

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday it must make a deal over its nuclear program or "really bad things" will happen, and set a deadline of 10 to 15 days,

A timely delivery of substantial numbers of Mi-28s and Su-35s would be too little too late for reversing the self-inflicted terminal decline of Iran’s armed forces.

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.

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,