IRGC naval exercise demonstrates Iran’s defensive and strategic strength in Persian Gulf

Pars Today – The first phase of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy exercise was held on Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf.

The IRGC Navy exercise on Monday, February 16, successfully tested new tactics and weaponry on Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf. During the exercise, rapid reaction battalions of the IRGC Navy stationed on the islands practiced the latest offensive and defensive maneuvers. Missile units deployed the newest types of missiles and implemented combat tactics, including missile operations under electronic warfare conditions.

The drone and submarine units of the IRGC Navy also destroyed designated targets from the Iranian Triple Islands during this exercise. The main phase of the drill will continue on Tuesday, February 17, in the Strait of Hormuz, with smart monitoring and control of this strategic waterway.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, emphasized that the IRGC Navy maintains 24-hour intelligence coverage in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that this situational awareness extends from surface and air domains to below the surface, providing comprehensive control.

The commander of the IRGC Navy stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has successfully ensured the security of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and prevented any insecurity. He emphasized that it is a fundamental principle that the interests of all non-hostile countries in navigating this waterway are safeguarded. The IRGC Navy has maintained this security through the use of both advanced equipment and routine patrol systems.

The IRGC Navy exercise on Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf and in the Strait of Hormuz is one of the region’s most important military events, as these areas serve as critical junctions and the world’s most vital energy transit routes. The Strait of Hormuz sees millions of barrels of oil pass to global markets every day, and any threat or insecurity in the area could directly impact the global economy.

Beyond its military dimension, the IRGC exercise also serves as a demonstration of Iran’s authority and capability in controlling and securing this key international waterway.

The use of new tactics, smart missiles, and drone and submarine units by the IRGC Navy demonstrates the growth of Iran’s military technology and reliance on domestic capabilities. This exercise showed that Iran is not only prepared to defend its maritime borders but also capable of conducting effective offensive operations.

By emphasizing situational awareness at all levels—surface, air, and subsurface, the IRGC sent a clear message to regional and extra-regional countries: the security of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured by regional nations working together, and foreign forces, including the United States and its allies, cannot play a role in this regard.

By conducting this exercise at this time, the IRGC Navy is sending a warning amid increased U.S. activity in the region and certain verbal threats from Western countries: Iran is ready to respond decisively to any attempts to destabilize the region. This drill serves as a deterrent message, signaling that any provocative action will be met with an immediate and concrete response.

The exercise also underscores that Iran’s defense doctrine is based on mutual security and respect for international maritime navigation rights.

The message of this exercise to the United States and its allies is that Iran will not retreat in the defensive domain in the face of pressure and sanctions, while at the same time it is not a threat to regional countries and ensures collective security. Iran also possesses the tools to deliver an effective and independent response to any hostile action.

The exercise sends a clear message to both regional and global powers: Iran guarantees the security of the Persian Gulf but does not accept threats or the presence of foreign forces. It also demonstrates that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are at the highest level of defensive and offensive readiness, and any adventurism against Iran’s national interests will be met with a decisive response.

This drill is a demonstration of deterrent power and defensive preparedness of Iran’s armed forces. It reflects Iran’s practical commitment to preserving territorial integrity and defending its red lines, sending a clear signal that the security of these islands is non-negotiable.