On heightened watch: IRGC warns extra-regional players as naval drills get underway
The naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have launched extensive exercises spanning the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan’s littoral waters.
Code-named "Great Prophet Authority 19", the drills went underway on Friday across the northern and central part of the strategic Persian Gulf waters, with the Navy’s Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in attendance.
According to the commander, "conveying the message of peace and friendship" to neighboring countries and establishing security in international waterways were the main objectives of the exercises.
"We are capable of ensuring the security of the sensitive Persian Gulf region alongside our neighboring countries and will stand firm against any threat," he added.
"Another message of these drills is directed at extra-regional countries, letting them know that their presence in this region disrupts security and they cannot establish lasting security in this sensitive area," Tangsiri noted.
He pointed out that new technologies would be unveiled during the drills, stating, "Every year, new vessels and technologies are incorporated into the exercise, and this year, we are deploying vessels that are capable of sailing at speeds of 75 and 90 knots (nautical miles) as well as firing missiles and mines."
Iron fist
Tangsiri asserted, "The hostile countries and enemies of the noble Iranian nation should know that we will stand up to their bullying with strength and courage, and we will foil their sinister plans with a strong fist."
The Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces, including the Army and the IRGC, have been continuously enhancing their military hardware and combat readiness in line with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s directives.
The forces have vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of the threats that are posed by the Iranian nation’s enemies.
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