Quick Summary:
Iran’s IRGC Navy launches major maritime exercise in the Strait of Hormuz under Maj Gen Mohammad Pakpour, testing readiness amid rising US military presence and renewed diplomatic tension.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has begun a large-scale maritime exercise titled “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz”, aimed at testing operational readiness and security response in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, IRGC Commander‑in‑Chief Maj Gen Mohammad Pakpour supervised the participating vessels on Monday, overseeing missile launches from a naval ship during the drill.
The exercise, held in the Gulf between Oman and Iran, is designed to evaluate the IRGC Navy’s preparedness and counter-action strategies against potential security and military threats.
US Military Presence Heightens Regional Tension
The drill comes as the United States intensifies its military build-up near Iran following the January 3 operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro.
On February 6, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released images of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group sailing in the Arabian Sea, accompanied by two supply ships and two Coast Guard cutters.
The Lincoln strike group, comprising three guided missile destroyers, 90 aircraft including F‑35 fighters, and over 5,000 personnel, was deployed to the Gulf region in late January.
In addition, the Pentagon has redeployed the Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group—the world’s largest warship—from the Caribbean to the Middle East to reinforce deterrence against Iran. The vessel is expected to arrive within two weeks.
Diplomatic Pressure Builds Ahead of Geneva Talks
Ahead of a scheduled meeting between American and Iranian officials in Geneva, President Donald Trump renewed his call for Tehran to “make a deal or face repercussions.”
Trump is expected to be involved indirectly in the Geneva discussions and has urged Iran to “be more reasonable.”
Washington Reaffirms Diplomatic Approach
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Budapest alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said Washington remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution.
He, however, acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating with Iran, citing the influence of religious leadership over geopolitical decisions.
