TEHRAN, Iran

The ground forces of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) held a large-scale drill along the country’s southern coasts on Tuesday, as tensions with the United States continue to rise.

Various units of the IRGC Ground Force took part in the 1404 Combined Exercise, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported, saying that it was held to enhance “combat readiness” in view of threats.

The report said the drill showcased modern combat technologies and the implementation of new tactics designed to counter existing threats.

The exercise comes a week after the IRGC Navy carried out a massive drill in the Strait of Hormuz under the direct supervision of Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the guard’s top commander.

Tensions have risen dramatically following the deployment of US aircraft carriers and bombers to the Persian Gulf region in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has warned that if ongoing nuclear negotiations fail to produce a deal, Washington will opt for a military option.

The third round of indirect nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where Iran is expected to present a draft plan on its nuclear program to the American side.

New missile systems tested

During Tuesday’s drill in southern Iran, the Fars News Agency reported that micro-drones and loitering munitions were deployed.

Alongside micro-drones, it said Rezvan loitering munitions identified target points and then assigned the mission to the Shahed 136 suicide drone, which struck pre-designated targets.

Special forces from the IRGC Ground Force were also deployed in mock operations to prevent enemy forces from approaching the shoreline, the report added, using artillery fire with proximity-fused shells, shore-to-sea strikes to destroy designated targets, and heavy firepower.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Karami, commander of the IRGC Ground Force, said all forces carried out “pre-designed measures” across various sectors, including missile, artillery, drone, special forces, armored, and mechanized units.

In a separate drill on Thursday, Fars said the missile unit of the IRGC Ground Force tested new missile systems with varying ranges.

A missile system recently integrated into the IRGC Ground Force arsenal was launched toward a designated target and subsequently struck another target at a separate location.

According to the report, citing IRGC commanders, the new missile systems are equipped with a different navigation system, offer pinpoint strike accuracy, and carry enhanced warheads capable of penetrating enemy columns and fortified positions.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hadi Sefidchian, a senior IRGC commander, was quoted as saying that passive defense measures were also implemented in the field of electronic warfare.

War clouds continue to loom despite the ongoing nuclear negotiations, with both sides expressing full readiness for any military confrontation.​​​​​​​