Iran puts on 'show of strength' military exercise in Gulf

Rouhani govt plans a large naval military drill including approximately 600 naval vessels


Reuters September 21, 2018
Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets of the Iranian army fly past during a military parade to commemorate army day in Tehran. PHOTO REUTERS

GENEVA: The Iranian Revolutionary Guards and army carried out a joint aerial military drill in the Gulf on Friday in what official media said indicated the “pounding reply” that awaited the country’s enemies.

Tehran has suggested in recent weeks that it could take military action in the Gulf to block other countries’ oil exports in retaliation for US sanctions intended to halt its sales of crude.

Washington maintains a fleet in the Gulf that protects oil shipping routes.

“In addition to a show of strength, this ceremony is a message of peace and friendship for friendly and neighbouring countries,” Colonel Yousef Safipour, the deputy commander of the army for public relations said, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

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“And if the enemies and arrogant powers have an eye on the borders and land of Islamic Iran they will receive a pounding reply in the fraction of a second.”

Mirage, F-4 and Sukhoi-22 jets took part in the exercise on Friday, according to IRNA.

The Islamic Republic has a large naval military drill, including approximately 600 naval vessels, planned on Saturday, IRNA reported.

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Separately, a prominent Iranian cleric said Friday that the time had come for Israel to say goodbye. He did not give any further information on what that could mean.

“Mr. Netanyahu, you and your intelligence services know well that the time to say goodbye has arrived and what position of strength the resistance of Hezbollah and the people of Gaza are in,” Hassan Abu-Torabi Fard, the temporary Friday prayers leader in Tehran, said, according to Fars News.

COMMENTS (2)

cautious | 5 years ago | Reply The average age of Iranian fighter is likely over 40 years - Vietnam war stuff. None of their pilots were alive when the planes were produced. These military exercises are for domestic consumption as they won't be viewed as a "show of strength" by Israel or the USA.
Bunny Rabbit | 5 years ago | Reply Frown .. but dont bite ... Exhibit your strength ... but dont use your weapons first to provoke ...
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