Revolutionary Guard Commences 'Smart Control' Drills
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commenced naval exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday, February 16, 2026. The drills, officially named 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,' were launched by Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, according to state media. The exercises are aimed at assessing the operational readiness of Iran's naval forces and evaluating security plans and scenarios for 'reciprocal' military action in response to potential security and military threats. They also serve to demonstrate Iran's geopolitical advantages in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The drills were overseen by IRGC Commander Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Pakpour.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international trade route, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is recognized as one of the world's most strategically important choke points, serving as the sole sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Approximately 20% to 25% of the world's liquefied natural gas and seaborne oil trade passes through this narrow waterway annually. The strait separates Iran to the north from Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south.
Geopolitical Context: Nuclear Talks and US Military Presence
The timing of these naval drills is particularly significant, occurring on the eve of a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva, scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026. These talks, mediated by Oman, follow a previous round that resumed on February 6 in Oman, after diplomacy broke down in June during the Iran-Israel war.
The exercises also unfold amidst a substantial US military buildup in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group was deployed to the Middle East in late January 2026. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump announced on February 13, 2026, that a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, would depart 'very soon' for the Middle East. US officials have stated that this military presence is intended to deter regional instability and signal readiness for contingency operations. In response, IRGC Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh warned that all foreign ships in the region were 'under full intelligence surveillance and within the reach of our defence power.' Iran has also asserted that it maintains 'complete control' over the land, underwater, and airspace of the Strait of Hormuz.
Heightened Tensions in a Critical Region
The commencement of these drills by Iran's Revolutionary Guard underscores the heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region. With crucial nuclear negotiations underway and a significant US military presence, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for international observation, given its vital role in global energy trade and regional security dynamics.
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