Iran launched naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday in preparation for potential security and military threats in the strategic waterway.
A statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” exercise aims to assess the operational readiness of its naval forces.
During the drill, traffic restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz were announced for a few hours, according to IRGC, to maintain the safety of passing ships.
Tuesday’s restrictions of the waterway, IRGC said, were aimed at ensuring shipping safety as part of the Revolutionary Guard’s “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” drill. The exercise is designed to improve Iran’s operational readiness and bolster its deterrence, among other objectives.
According to IRGC, missiles were fired at sea during the exercises.
Iran officials criticized U.S. naval deployments, suggesting American warships remain vulnerable despite their power. The comments signal Tehran’s strategy of combining diplomacy with rhetoric, emphasizing military readiness while talks proceed.
Iran announced the drills in a rare show of force as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States in Geneva over its nuclear program.
As the talks began, IRGC announced that its forces had fired missiles at sea, as part of its exercise.
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi later adopted a different tone, expressing optimism about the talks. “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” he said.
Araghchi met Monday afternoon with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of the Sultanate of Oman.
During the meeting, Iran’s viewpoints and considerations regarding nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions were outlined. Araghchi expressed appreciation for Oman’s good offices and for the efforts of his Omani counterpart in helping advance the ongoing diplomatic process.
The Omani foreign minister, for his part, voiced hope that the current round of talks would conclude successfully.
Merchant Vessel Attacked off Aden
Meanwhile, a merchant vessel survived an attack 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen.
According to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) report on Feb. 17, the vessel was approached and hailed by one white skiff, with five persons onboard. This was followed by an exchange of small arms fire. Two additional skiffs were also reported in the vicinity.
Despite an exchange of small arms fire, no casualties were reported among the crew.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, with no further details released on the vessel’s identity or flag.
