The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has carried out a joint military exercise along Iran’s southern coastline, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The report said the drill involved multiple units of the IRGC Ground Forces and incorporated modern combat technologies and updated tactical methods designed to address what officials described as existing threats. The exact date of the exercise was not disclosed.

During the drill, micro aerial vehicles and domestically produced Rezvan loitering drones were used to detect designated targets. Shahed 136 loitering munitions were also deployed, striking pre-determined targets as part of the operational scenario.

The exercise simulated the “strong defense” of Iran’s southern coasts and islands. Special forces units of the IRGC Ground Forces practiced operations aimed at preventing hostile elements from approaching the country’s southern maritime borders.

Missile units participated as well, operating newly delivered systems alongside other advanced platforms. The drill brought together missile, artillery, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), armored, and special operations units in coordinated field scenarios.

IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Karami stated that all participating units successfully executed planned operational scenarios tailored to current threat assessments. Mohammad-Hadi Sefidchiyan, commander of the IRGC Ground Forces’ Medina Headquarters, said the forces implemented both offensive and defensive electronic warfare scenarios in addition to passive defense measures.

He noted that the primary objective of the exercise was to enhance combat readiness, strengthen joint operational capability, and integrate modern technologies proportionate to evolving threats.

The drill comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, as Washington continues its military presence in West Asia. The two countries are expected to hold a third round of indirect talks in Geneva this week regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

The IRGC has in recent years increased the frequency of coastal and maritime drills, emphasizing asymmetric warfare capabilities, drone deployment, and missile systems as part of its broader deterrence posture. (ILKHA)