Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Initiates Exercise on Contested Islands Amid Rising US Military Activity in the Region

On Wednesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary group, unexpectedly initiated a military exercise on contested islands within the Persian Gulf. This comes at a time when the U.S. is escalating its military presence in the region in response to recent incidents of vessel seizures by Iran.

The majority of the exercise took place on Abu Musa Island, though Greater Tunb Island also witnessed some military action, as reported by Iran’s state-owned IRNA news agency. The drill involved the deployment of ships, drones, and missile units.

Iran didn’t provide a specific reason for the abrupt military exercise, although it is not an uncommon occurrence.

General Hossein Salami, the chief of the Guard, addressed his nation during the exercise, affirming that they consistently strive for peace and stability. He also warned that Iran remains watchful and is prepared to counteract any form of threat, complex plots, and covert hostilities.

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The exercise was initiated as thousands of U.S. Marines and sailors aboard the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship, are en route to the Persian Gulf. The U.S. has already dispatched A-10 Thunderbolt II warplanes, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, to the region.

The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the deployment was a response to Iran’s recent efforts to threaten the free movement of trade in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters. The Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates the passage of approximately 20% of the world’s oil, is a critical conduit linking the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. The U.S. considers it vital to its national security and global energy price stability.

At the same time, Iran is now enriching uranium at levels closer to weapons-grade following the breakdown of its 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers.

The drill on Abu Musa and Greater Tunb serves a strategic purpose. Both these islands are claimed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which encompasses Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Iran took control of these islands in 1971, just before the UAE gained independence, and has retained control ever since, including Lesser Tunb Island.

This action serves as a reminder to Iran’s neighboring countries of its military prowess. Iranian diplomats have been attempting to convince the Gulf Arab countries, which are U.S. allies, that external forces are unnecessary for regional security.

Additionally, Iran is expressing discontent over Russia’s recent statements concerning the islands. Iran has supplied Russia with drone technology for their conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this summer, Russia, in a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, suggested that the ownership of the islands should be decided through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice. This statement provoked a strong response from Iran, leading to the summoning of the Russian envoy.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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More about Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Drill

• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
• US military presence in the Persian Gulf
• The Strait of Hormuz
• Disputed islands – Abu Musa and Greater Tunb
• The collapse of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal
• Iran-Russia relations