Iran Conducts Military Exercise After Israel Conflict
Iran Demonstrates Military Readiness Following Conflict with Israel
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Show of Force in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean
On Thursday, Iran conducted its first large-scale military drill as the conclusion of a 12-day conflict with Israel, as reported by Iranian state media. The exercise, dubbed ‘Sustainable Power 1404,’ involved the Iranian Navy launching missiles from ships – including the frigate Iris sabalan and the smaller Iris Ganoveh – at simulated targets in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The launches included Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles,confirmed by state television reports.
While such maneuvers are routine for the Islamic Republic, this particular exercise is widely interpreted as a deliberate effort by Iranian authorities to project strength following a period of heightened tensions. The recent conflict saw Israel conduct strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and air defense systems.
The iranian Navy, comprised of approximately 18,000 personnel and based in the port city of Bandar Abbas, is responsible for patrolling the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Caspian Sea. Notably, the Navy generally cedes control of the Persian Gulf and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces.
the IRGC Navy has a history of intercepting ships, notably during the period following the rupture of the 2015 Iranian Nuclear Agreement with world powers. They also maintain a close watch on vessels belonging to the U.S. Navy operating in the region.
Defense Posture and New Missile Capabilities
Iran has publicly affirmed its readiness to defend against any potential future attacks from Israel. Brigade General Aziz nasirzadeh, the country’s Minister of Defense, announced on Wednesday, as reported by the Irna news agency, that Iran’s armed forces have been equipped with new missile systems. This declaration underscores a commitment to bolstering its defensive capabilities.