The manoeuvres coincide with increased tension in Iran’s nuclear dispute with the West, after last week’s disclosure by Tehran that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant. This disclosure added a sense of urgency to a crucial meeting in Geneva on Thursday between Iranian officials and representatives of six major powers, including the United States. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told CBS on Sunday that Iran will be put “to the test” in Geneva and a move to sanctions will follow if the talks fail.