TEHRAN: Iran conducted a large-scale missile exercise on Friday in the Sea of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state television reported, marking the second day of the naval drill aimed at showcasing the country’s military strength in the region.
The report stated that Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a series of missiles from mainland Iran, striking designated targets in the Oman Sea and nearby areas. The missiles reportedly included Qadr-110, Qadr-380, and Ghadir cruise missiles, with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), along with a ballistic missile identified as 303, although no additional details were provided. State TV footage showed the missile launches and their successful impact on targets.
The drill follows a similar exercise conducted in August and is the second since the June conflict between Israel and Iran, which resulted in nearly 1,100 deaths in Iran, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. During that conflict, Iran’s missile strikes killed 28 people in Israel.
Since the war, Tehran has repeatedly emphasized its readiness to respond to any future Israeli aggression. The Revolutionary Guard, which oversees operations in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, led the drill, while Iran’s national navy is responsible for operations in the Sea of Oman and beyond.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor through which roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes, has long been a source of strategic tension. Iran has frequently threatened to close the strait in response to perceived military threats, prompting continuous patrols by the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, to ensure the safe passage of shipping.
The missile drill underscores Tehran’s determination to demonstrate military readiness and to deter potential adversaries amid heightened regional tensions.