Israeli, U.S. navies hold joint drill in Red Sea

JERUSALEM, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Israeli and U.S. naval forces held a joint drill in the Red Sea on Sunday, the Israeli military said Monday, highlighting strengthened maritime cooperation as regional tensions with Iran continue to rise.

The exercise involved Israeli Navy vessels and a visiting U.S. Navy destroyer operating in the Red Sea, the military said.

It added that the drill was part of ongoing strategic coordination between the Israeli Navy and the U.S. 5th Fleet, which is responsible for operations in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Oman.

The exercise came amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, as Washington has issued warnings to Tehran and reinforced its naval presence in the region.