Iran Launches Live-Fire Drills In Strait Of Hormuz As U.S Stations An Armada In The Region

Iran has begun conducting live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare its naval forces for potential security and military threats in the waterway.

Named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” the naval exercises are being led by naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the supervision of IRGC Commander in Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour.

According to Iranian media reports, the exercises are aimed at assessing the operational readiness of the units and reviewing security plans and rehearsing for potential scenarios which might occur in case of an escalation.

The drills came hours after diplomatic efforts began in Geneva, between the U.S and Iran to review Iran’s nuclear program.

U.S President Trump sent many naval ships to the region and threatened to attack Iran if it did not agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program.

He also called for regime change in Iran, stating it would be best for the country.

The U.S has been pressurising Iran by building an ‘armada’ in the region.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is present, flanked by three warships with Tomahawk missiles.

Tehran said the second round of talks, being mediated by Oman, would be held on Tuesday.

Previous negotiations had ended when Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in June, which led to a 12-day war and heightened tensions across the region.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said that he is highly doubtful if Iran will agree to something which would shatter its goals of achieving nuclear weaponry.

On the other hand, Trump told the media that he would be a part of the talks and that they would be very important.

He said that Iran was a’ bad negotiator’ because the two nations could make a deal, but instead he had to send the B2S to end their nuclear potential.

He warned Iran to be’ more reasonable’ and said it would be great if it agreed to the deal.

Source: Maritime Shipping News