Iran's IRGC Conducts Major Hybrid Military Exercise in Southern Region

The Ground Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out a large-scale hybrid military exercise on Tuesday. The drills took place across southern Iran and on several islands in the Persian Gulf.

The exercise featured controlled live-fire operations utilizing a variety of weaponry and newly implemented combined-arms tactics. Modern technologies were integrated across multiple operational levels during the maneuvers.

This military activity occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions with the United States over Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. Has recently increased its military presence in waters near Iranian territory.

Last week, the IRGC Navy also conducted its own drill, named "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," in that critical maritime passage. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, serves as a vital link between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is widely regarded as the world's most significant oil transit chokepoint.

The recent Ground Force exercise was overseen by IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour. Its stated goals included evaluating the operational readiness of naval units, reviewing support plans and response scenarios, and optimizing the strategic application of Iran's geopolitical position in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.