IRGC Navy Commences 'Shahid Mohammad Nazeri' Military Exercise in Strategic Waterways

IRGC Navy Launches Annual Drill

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran commenced its annual two-day military exercise, codenamed 'Shahid Mohammad Nazeri', on December 4, 2025. The drill is taking place across critical maritime areas including the Persian Gulf, the Nazeat maritime zone (encompassing Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Siri islands), the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman.

According to official statements, the exercise aims to showcase the IRGC Navy's 'interception capabilities' and reinforce regional military readiness.

Operational Scope and Capabilities Displayed

During the exercise, the IRGC Navy is testing a range of combat systems, electronic warfare defenses, and operations under simulated wartime conditions. Reports indicate the use of various missile systems, including Qadr 110, Qadr 380, and Qadir cruise missiles, as well as 303 ballistic missiles, fired at preselected targets in the Oman Sea. Drone units were also deployed to conduct attacks on simulated enemy bases, while naval air defense systems practiced responses to aerial threats against fast boats and coastal positions.

The exercise is named in honor of the late IRGC Navy commander Mohammad Nazeri, who was recognized for his leadership in maritime special operations and his involvement in the 2016 detention of US Navy personnel.

Strategic Messaging and Regional Context

The IRGC Navy issued warnings to US warships present in the region during the drill, 'relaying their decisive message' to them. Iranian officials stated that the exercise sends a 'dual message' of peace towards Iran's regional partners and a warning to adversaries against any 'miscalculations' that would be met with a 'decisive response'. The drill is also seen as an effort to deter the United States and its allies from seizing Iranian vessels.

This naval exercise follows another significant military drill, Sahand 2025, a five-day joint anti-terrorism exercise led by IRGC Ground Forces in East Azarbaijan province, conducted under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which concluded on December 5. The timing of the naval drill also comes after a 12-day air conflict between Israel and Iran in June, which briefly involved American forces.