TEHRAN, Iran

Iran launched a new series of large-scale military exercises on Thursday amid rising regional tensions over its nuclear program.

In a statement, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, said the drills aim to enhance the military's deterrent power and rigorously assess their combat readiness.

Local media said that the military maneuvers, code-named “Ya Ali ibn Abi Talib,” will place particular emphasis on monitoring and responding to potential enemy movements.

Bagheri said it is important to maintain vigilance and strength in the face of "external challenges," in a veiled reference to the US and Israel.

The military exercises come amid US media reports suggesting that Israel was planning military action against Iran over its nuclear program.

On Wednesday, the US ordered the voluntary departure of nonessential employees and military families from some locations in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that government personnel abroad may face evacuation as far-flung locations "could be a dangerous place."

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened on the same day to target US bases in the region if a conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear program.

He stressed that Iran has made significant progress in its defense capabilities, and its operational forces are fully equipped and prepared for any potential conflict.

The rising tension comes as reports of stalled progress in indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran fueled uncertainty in the Middle East.

The main sticking point in nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

While the US demands a complete halt to enrichment, Iranian negotiators insist the program is non-negotiable and will continue with or without a deal.