TEHRAN: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran conducted an unanticipated military drill on Wednesday, centered around islands in the Arabian Gulf. The exercise coincides with the United States’ (US) recent escalation of its military presence in the region following ship seizures by Tehran.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that the drill mainly took place on Abu Musa Island, with forces also landing on the Greater Tunb Island. The exercise involved the participation of ships, drones, and missile units.
While Iran did not provide a specific reason for the sudden military exercise, such surprise drills have occurred in the past. In a televised address during the drill, Gen. Hossein Salami, the Chief of the Revolutionary Guard, asserted their nation’s commitment to security and tranquility, adding that the Iranian people are vigilant and ready to respond harshly to any threats or hostilities.
The timing of the drill comes as thousands of Marines and sailors aboard the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship, are en route to the Arabian Gulf. The US has also deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II warplanes, F-16 and F-35 fighters, and the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to the region.
Tensions Between Iran and US
The Pentagon has stated that the deployment is in response to recent attempts by Iran to disrupt the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The strait is a vital passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil, and the US considers its stability essential for national security and maintaining global energy prices.
Simultaneously, Iran’s nuclear activities have raised concerns, with the country now enriching uranium closer than ever to weapon-grade levels after the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Additionally, Iran has expressed its discontent over recent comments made by Russia regarding the disputed islands in the Arabian Gulf. Russia, which has received bomb-carrying drones from Iran for their involvement in Ukraine, issued a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council suggesting “bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice” to decide the islands’ control. This move led to an outcry in Iran, and the Iranian government summoned the Russian envoy to address the matter.
