The Iranian Army announced concluding two-day annual exercises on Monday, following the US’ deployment of warships and additional forces to the Gulf region to deter Iranian threats, particularly after Iran’s attempted seizure of oil tankers last month.
According to the official news agency “IRNA,” forces conducted the maneuvers involving 11 air bases across the country, commencing on Sunday evening. The exercises took place near the Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province and covered the Gulf region, the Strait of Hormuz, and border areas in the northeast and northwest of Iran.
More than 90 fighter jets and drones participated in the maneuvers, as reported since Sunday.
Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Hamid Vahedi stated that the exercises conveyed a message of friendship, peace, and security in the region.
He emphasized that sustainable security, improving and strengthening regional relations, peaceful coexistence, and defending territorial airspace were among the key objectives.
Among other things, the Air Force conducted drills on suicide drone attacks (kamikaze) and fighter jets.
The government-affiliated agency “Mehr” stated that the exercises included the use of a 500-pound bomb dropped from a drone to target ground sites.
Last week, the US announced its decision to deploy additional “F-35” and “F-16” fighter jets, along with a warship, to the Middle East to monitor vital waterways in the region in response to Iran’s seizure and harassment of commercial vessels in recent months.
In response to the US military movement, Iranian Army Commander Abdolrahim Mousavi stated that the Americans have been present in the region due to illusions for years, asserting that regional security could only be achieved through the participation of regional countries.
He added that the presence of foreign forces in the area would only result in insecurity and harm to the people and countries in the region, as reported by the “Tasnim” agency affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards.
In turn, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri confirmed that the military’s aerial exercises had achieved their designated objectives.
The Iranian navy has been accused by the US of obstructing civilian navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the adjacent Oman Gulf.
