Iran conducts large-scale missile launch during naval exercise near Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran During the second day of a naval exercise, Iran fired multiple powerful missiles into the Sea of Oman and areas close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to state television reports on Friday.

The report stated that the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched the missiles from inland positions, striking targets in the Sea of Oman and surrounding regions near the Strait of Hormuz. The exercise, which started on Thursday, involved missiles identified as the Qadr-110, Qadr-380, and Ghadir, each capable of reaching distances up to 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles). A ballistic missile, known as the 303, was also reportedly launched.

Broadcast footage displayed the missile launches and their impacts on designated targets. This drill follows a previous conflict between Israel and Iran in June, which resulted in nearly 1,100 Iranian casualties, including military officials and nuclear scientists. Iranian missile strikes during that conflict caused 28 deaths in Israel. Since then, Iran has emphasized its readiness to respond to any potential future Israeli attacks.

This marks Iran's second naval exercise in the region, with the first one taking place in August. The Revolutionary Guard primarily oversees operations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's national navy manages the Sea of Oman and more distant waters. Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for roughly 20% of global oil shipments. The U.S. Navy continues to patrol the area through its 5th Fleet based in Bahrain to ensure the waterways remain open.

Analysis: Iran’s Naval Missile Drills Escalate Regional Tensions

The second day of Iran’s naval exercises demonstrates a clear display of long-range missile capabilities in the Sea of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard’s use of Qadr-110, Qadr-380, Ghadir, and 303 ballistic missiles highlights Tehran’s ability to strike targets across significant distances, up to 2,000 kilometers.

These drills occur in the context of heightened tensions following the June Israel-Iran conflict, which resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. Iran’s exercises signal a continued readiness to respond to perceived threats and maintain a strategic posture in the Persian Gulf.

Control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a central focus, as Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt this critical oil transit route. The U.S. 5th Fleet’s presence in the region underscores the international stakes, with global energy security directly linked to the stability of these waterways.

Overall, the exercises reinforce Iran’s message of deterrence while maintaining a careful balance to avoid direct confrontation, emphasizing the strategic significance of missile capabilities and naval coordination in regional security dynamics.

Sources:

• Report: Iran launches massive missiles during a naval drill near Strait of Hormuz