Iran begins military drills in Strait of Hormuz, commercial shipping suspended

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite branch of Iran's defense forces, has begun military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. The drills began on Monday amid ongoing meetings with US representatives on Iran's nuclear program, the country's state television reported.

According to a report by state media, the drills are being organized as part of advance preparations in the context of possible military and security threats. A final decision has not yet been made on how long the drills will last. However, it has been reported that commercial shipping will be suspended through the Strait of Hormuz during the drills.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy trade routes. About a quarter of the oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported by water every year is transported through this strait and about a fifth of LNG is transported through it.

IRGC chief General Mohammad Pakpour is overseeing the drills. According to Iranian media, the exercise has begun to test the ability to respond quickly in an emergency.

The exercise is being conducted on and around Abu Musa Island, located in the southern part of the eastern Persian Gulf. Iran has recently strengthened its military presence on the island. An IRGC official told AFP on condition of anonymity that several missiles have been deployed there, which are capable of hitting targets up to 1,000 kilometers away.

Tensions have been running between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program for almost two decades. Tensions increased after Donald Trump was elected US president for the first time in 2016. The situation became more complicated after he was elected for a second term in 2024.

In June 2025, the United States became involved in the Iran-Israel conflict and US forces conducted 'Operation Midnight Hammer' against Tehran. Although a ceasefire later took effect, diplomatic relations between the two countries have not yet normalized.

Meanwhile, meetings between Iranian and US government representatives have been underway in Muscat, the capital of Oman, since February 6. The second phase of those talks is currently underway.

Source: AFP