Iran Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills in Gulf, Hosts SCO Anti-Terror Exercise

Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy carried out ballistic and cruise missile strikes on simulated targets in the Gulf on Friday, as part of a two-day military exercise aimed at countering foreign threats, state media reported.

The drills included the launch of Qadr 110, Qadr 380, and Qadr 360 cruise missiles, along with 303 ballistic missiles targeting locations in the Gulf of Oman. Drones also struck simulated enemy bases. The exercise began on Thursday in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, with the IRGC highlighting its use of artificial intelligence and the “unwavering spirit” of its sailors.

Earlier, Iran hosted an anti-terrorism exercise in its northwestern East Azerbaijan province with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to state media, the drill aimed to show “peace and friendship” to neighboring countries while warning that any miscalculation would meet a decisive response.

Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Azerbaijan also participated in the cross-border counterterrorism exercises. The SCO, a Eurasian security and economic group established in 2001, often conducts joint military drills to strengthen cooperation among member and partner states. Its core members include China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, while countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia participate as observers or dialogue partners.

The drills come after a 12-day air conflict in June between Israel and Iran, during which the U.S. joined Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Western nations view Iran’s ballistic missile program as both a regional threat and a potential delivery system for nuclear weapons if Tehran develops them.