Iran conducts military exercises in the Gulf, testing ballistic and cruise missiles on simulated targets

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy carried out extensive missile exercises in the Gulf of Oman, launching a combination of Qadr 110, Qadr 360, and Qadr 380 cruise missiles, alongside 303 ballistic missiles targeting simulated threats, according to state media.

The two-day drills, initiated on Thursday in the strategic waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, are part of Iran's effort to demonstrate readiness against potential external threats. Reports indicate that drones also participated by striking mock enemy installations during the operations.

Earlier, Iran organized an anti-terrorism exercise in its northwestern East Azerbaijan province with participants from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). State media described the drill as a dual-purpose event, aimed at projecting a message of peace to neighboring countries while warning adversaries that any missteps would be met with decisive action.

The ground and naval maneuvers follow heightened regional tensions, including a 12-day air conflict in June between Israel and Iran, during which the United States supported Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran highlighted its use of advanced artificial intelligence systems in the exercises and praised the determination and resilience of its naval forces in facing threats.

The West views Iran's ballistic missile arsenal as both a conventional security concern and a potential nuclear delivery platform if Tehran develops such weapons.

The SCO exercises in northwestern Iran are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination among member and partner nations. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Azerbaijan joined in cross-border counterterrorism drills. The SCO, established in 2001 to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, regularly conducts joint military operations involving member states like China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and other regional partners, with observer nations such as Iran and Saudi Arabia participating selectively.

Author: Maya Henderson