Iran has launched a large-scale military exercise named “Sustainable Power 1404” in the northern Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman, marking its first major drill since the June 12-day conflict with Israel. The two-day operation, beginning Thursday, showcased Iran’s efforts to rebuild maritime deterrence and reinforce combat readiness amid rising regional tensions.
According to Iranian Navy officials, the drill aims to improve command coordination, boost deterrence capabilities, and demonstrate resilience after recent military setbacks. The exercise featured surface and subsurface warships, missile defence systems, air units, and electronic warfare brigades. Notably, Iran deployed precision-strike Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles, signaling long-range offensive strength.
Analysts interpret the drills as a strategic counter-response to Israeli military simulations targeting Iran’s nuclear sites. They also highlight Iran’s intent to project retaliation capability after the June conflict, during which Israel struck Iranian missile bases and Tehran responded with missile attacks on Israeli cities and an attempted strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.
This show of force underscores Tehran’s determination to assert military resilience and influence the evolving security architecture of the Middle East.