Israeli and U.S. naval forces completed a joint exercise in the Red Sea on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Israeli military confirmed Monday. The drill underscores deepening military coordination between the two allies as regional friction with Iran escalates.
The exercise focused on interoperability and maritime security operations, reflecting heightened concerns over critical shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Analysts note the timing aligns with recent Iranian naval maneuvers near the Strait of Hormuz, though neither side explicitly linked the drills.
"This collaboration strengthens our ability to address shared security challenges," stated an Israeli military spokesperson. U.S. Fifth Fleet representatives emphasized the drill\u2019s alignment with "freedom of navigation principles" vital to global trade.
With over 10% of global trade passing through the Red Sea, the waterway remains strategically crucial. Business leaders warn prolonged regional instability could disrupt supply chains, while security experts highlight growing great-power competition in Middle Eastern waters.
