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GeopoliticsHigh ImpactUpdated•Originally published 17 February 2026•Updated 17 February 2026•

1 min read

IRGC Concludes 'Smart Control' Drills in Strait of Hormuz Amid Geneva Nuclear Talks

US flag on map, Middle East map, warships, oil tankers, oil barrels, and naval mines on water, with trade routes and an upward trend graph.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted live-fire military exercises dubbed "Smart Control," resulting in a partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz for several hours. Iranian semi-official media attributed the temporary closure to "security precautions" necessary for the drills in the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint. These maneuvers coincided with the start of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva. Analysts suggest the exercises serve as a strategic signal to strengthen Tehran's leverage during the diplomatic talks by demonstrating control over global energy flows. Oil markets reacted with caution, as Brent Crude and WTI prices remain highly sensitive to any risks involving maritime security. Investors are closely monitoring the outcomes of the Geneva discussions for their potential impact on regional stability and global crude supplies.

4 months ago

Version History

Version 14 months ago

What changed: The story was updated to include details of the IRGC's 'Smart Control' live-fire drills, the specific duration of the closure (several hours), and the location of the indirect nuclear talks in Geneva.