Iran naval forces began military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, signaling armed defiance to Washington ahead of planned nuclear talks with the western superpower.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is a critical waterway for much of the world's oil shipments, including those from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. A naval blockade of the strait could theoretically bring a large of global energy to a screeching halt.

The exercises come as Tehran officials plan to meet with special envoy Steve Witkoff in Switzerland on Tuesday, according to The Hill. 

The Trump administration previously launched strikes on Iranian nucelar facilities in 2025, leading to a short exchange of fire between Iran and Israel in the immediate aftermath.

The administration has floated additional strikes in the event that Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.