The IRGC has launched a large-scale naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of U.S.-Iran talks scheduled
By Bernie,
The IRGC has launched a large-scale naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, Iranian state television reported. The drill, named "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," aims to test IRGC naval "security plans and counter-military action in the face of possible security threats."
Iran's Bandar Abbas maritime authority issued a navigation warning for live firing in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, off Sirik, on February 17 from 03:30 to 18:30 UTC. The warning effectively restricts access into the Arabian Gulf via the inbound shipping lane during that period.
This is the second warning issued by Iran since tensions with the United States escalated. On January 29, Iran issued a similar warning for the same area, though no exercise was conducted. CENTCOM at the time urged the IRGC to conduct any exercise "in a manner that is safe, professional and avoids unnecessary risk to freedom of navigation for international maritime traffic."
Increased fast attack craft activity, GPS interference, and hailing of vessels are expected in the vicinity of the strait.
Topics: Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Diplomacy
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