Iran launches military drills in Persian Gulf

ANKARA

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched large-scale military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf near the strategic Hormuz Strait, the Iranian state television reported on Saturday.

The “Great Prophet 12” exercises are taking place with participation of offensive and logistics helicopters, drones and special forces units, the broadcaster said.

According to the television, offensive operations will be shown for the first time “within the framework Iran's defense doctrine”.

The military maneuvers coincide with a recent presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Gulf waters.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have mounted since May, when U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew his country from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

In August, the U.S. re-imposed a first round of sanctions that mainly targeted Iran’s banking sector.

A second phase of sanctions -- targeting Iran’s energy sector -- came into effect on Nov. 5, although Washington granted a 180-day reprieve to the eight largest buyers of Iranian oil, including Turkey.

ANKARA

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched large-scale military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf near the strategic Hormuz Strait, the Iranian state television reported on Saturday.

The “Great Prophet 12” exercises are taking place with participation of offensive and logistics helicopters, drones and special forces units, the broadcaster said.

According to the television, offensive operations will be shown for the first time “within the framework Iran's defense doctrine”.

The military maneuvers coincide with a recent presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Gulf waters.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have mounted since May, when U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew his country from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

In August, the U.S. re-imposed a first round of sanctions that mainly targeted Iran’s banking sector.