The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted a large-scale exercise, with 28 warships crossing the Strait of Hormuz in a tightly coordinated formation.
According to Iranian media, the strait crossing took place under unified command, showcasing the combined operational capability of the IRGC naval forces. The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most crucial oil transit chokepoints, with an estimated 20% of global oil passing through it daily.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly over the nuclear issue and sanctions. The exercise aims to assert Iran's sovereignty and control over the strategic waterway.
Previously, Iranian military officials have repeatedly warned of the potential to blockade the Strait of Hormuz if national security is threatened. However, this latest crossing is believed to be a training and show-of-force operation, with no signs of direct escalation.
