Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks
The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began naval military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, as the United States continued to bolster its military presence in the region amid concerns that a military confrontation could erupt if renewed US-Iran nuclear talks collapse.
The IRGC’s naval forces are participating in the exercises, dubbed “Smart Control of Hormuz Strait,” under the supervision of IRGC Commander-in-Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, Iranian state media (IRIB) reported.
The drills, which are expected to last several hours, aim to “assess the readiness of the IRGC’s naval units, review security plans and counter-military scenarios in response to potential threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and make smart use of Iran’s geopolitical advantages in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman,” IRIB said.
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