According to the Financial Times, Iran’s armed forces have doubled the number of military drills this year in response to escalating regional tensions and the inauguration of Donald Trump’s administration in the United States.
Ali-Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced on Monday that around 30 ground, air, and naval drills are being conducted in six western and southern cities. These exercises, designed to address “new threats,” are significantly larger and more complex compared to previous years.
As part of these drills, Iranian forces are conducting exercises near the Natanz nuclear facility, a key site for uranium enrichment. Additionally, the largest naval exercise is planned for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway through which one-third of the world’s oil flows.
These military activities began shortly before Trump’s inauguration, a transition that has heightened concerns in Tehran. Members of Trump’s incoming administration have pledged to revive a “maximum pressure” campaign in response to Iran’s nuclear program.
While Iranian diplomats have expressed readiness for fresh negotiations with the new U.S. administration, officials are concerned about the potential for broader confrontations. Among these is the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, potentially backed by the U.S.
Naeini stated that Iran is prepared for “complex and large-scale confrontations” and is confident in its deterrent capabilities. He emphasized that Iran will not initiate conflict but will respond decisively to any threats.
The unexpected collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has dealt a significant blow to Iran’s Middle Eastern strategies. Syria has long been a vital conduit for Iran’s military and financial support to Hezbollah, and its loss disrupts the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi Shia militias, and Yemen’s Houthis.
Naeini reassured that Iran has accounted for all potential scenarios and is conducting realistic and adaptive drills. He stressed the country’s commitment to defending its interests without escalating regional tensions unnecessarily.
Iran’s military exercises reflect its efforts to showcase strength and readiness in a volatile region. While these drills aim to deter adversaries, they also underline the need for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Amid heightened tensions, regional and global stakeholders must prioritize dialogue and strategic negotiations to avoid a cycle of retaliatory actions. Peaceful resolutions remain critical to ensuring stability in the Middle East.
The post Iran doubles Military Drills ahead of Trump’s Presidency appeared first on Khaama Press.
