Iran begins major military drill in PG

Iran has begun a massive military exercise in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to show off the country’s defensive capabilities and its determination to maintain security in the region.

The maneuver dubbed the Great Prophet 5 coincides with the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

IRGC’s naval, air and ground forces are taking part in the major drill that seeks to display Iran’s constructive and determined military power in establishing security in the strategic region.

New weapon systems are reported to be demonstrated during the maneuvers that will continue for the next three days.

“The main objective of this war game is to preserve the security of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the global energy and economy,” IRGC’s Deputy Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami told reporters.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Sea of Oman. Nearly 40 percent of the world’s crude oil passes through this waterway.