Iran, which is at odds with the United States, is to hold naval drills with Russia in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.

The drills will be hosted by the Aran Sea Fleet, spokesman Rear Admiral Hassan Maghsudlu said in a statement. “The main objective is to ensure safe and secure maritime relations and security in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean,” he said.

The drills will involve the two countries’ navies working together to prevent threats to maritime activities in the region, especially to protect commercial and oil tankers, and to combat maritime terrorism.

The naval drills, which are scheduled to begin on Thursday, come days after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz.

The drills come as the United States, which has been threatening military action against Iran, is deploying a large aircraft carrier and other warships to the Persian Gulf.

Iran and the United States have held two rounds of talks in Oman and Switzerland to ease tensions, with a third round expected later this month.

President Trump has warned Iran of military action if it does not accept a deal on its nuclear program and long-range missile development.

Iran, for its part, has repeatedly said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and has warned that it will retaliate if attacked.