On September 21, 2024, Iran’s army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted their largest-ever joint naval exercises in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, featuring an impressive fleet of 580 vessels, including warships and destroyers. The massive drill was part of events marking the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war and showcased Iran’s growing military might.
The timing of the exercises raised eyebrows as they coincided with heightened tensions following the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Iran and Hezbollah, Israel’s key adversaries, have accused the country of orchestrating recent deadly explosions in Lebanon. Israel, however, has not confirmed or denied involvement.
As Iran flexed its naval power, it also unveiled a new advanced ballistic missile with a 1,000-kilometer range, claiming it can evade all known missile defense systems. The military display comes as Tehran weighs potential retaliation against Israel for its alleged involvement in the assassination of a senior Hamas official in July.
With tensions escalating across the region, Iran’s show of force signals its readiness for confrontation while sending a clear message to adversaries.
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