- IRGC Navy starts Smart Control exercises in Strait of Hormuz
- Drills focus on military readiness and countering potential regional threats
- USS Gerald R. Ford moves to join US task force nearby
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has officially launched a series of high-stakes military exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Labeled as “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” the drills are designed to verify the operational readiness of various naval units. These maneuvers focus on testing the speed and efficiency of deployment in the face of escalating regional maritime challenges.
Objectives of the Maritime Exercises
The state-run IRNA News Agency, citing official IRGC statements, reported that the primary goals include inspecting combat preparations and refining security protocols. According to BBC Urdu, these drills also involve simulating complex military response scenarios and leveraging Iran’s unique geographic position along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The exercise highlights Iran’s commitment to maintaining its security interests in one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors.
Geopolitical Context and US Reaction
Earlier this month, there were reports of potential drills on February 12, which sparked a significant reaction from the US Central Command. At that time, US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that all military activities in international waters should be conducted in a safe and professional manner to avoid disrupting global shipping. While the IRGC initially denied having scheduled drills for that specific date, the current “Smart Control” exercise represents a definitive display of Iranian naval capabilities.
Strategic Timing and Regional Moves
The timing of these exercises is particularly notable as Tehran and Washington prepare for a new round of diplomatic negotiations. Meanwhile, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is currently en route to the Middle East. It is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its associated task force, significantly increasing the American naval presence in the region during this period of heightened tactical activity by the Iranian military forces.