826 Iran's Deadliest Warship Sneaks Up On US Navy From Behind After Russia-China Joint Move

24 Feb 2026Iran’s flagship, the Shahed Mardi, has returned to Iranian waters after a 57-day deployment to the southern hemisphere, including a joint naval exercise with Russia and China. The warship, equipped with long-range missiles and drones, showcases Iran’s growing bluewater capabilities and raises concerns about potential threats to US naval operations in the region. This development coincides with a surge in US air power in the area, intensifying tensions between the two nations.