Iran Launches First Military Drill Since 12-Day War With Israel

Tone & Political Bias: Center-Leaning, Neutral

Why: The reporting is fact-based, presenting military actions, diplomatic tensions, and international reactions without emotive language or clear partisan framing.

The Announcement

Iran has begun its first military exercise since the conclusion of its 12-day war with Israel. The drill, named “Sustainable Power 1404”, was announced by state television on Thursday. Naval vessels launched missiles at sea-based targets in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

The exercises are routine in Iran, but the timing reflects an effort to project strength after significant damage during the June conflict, when Israeli forces struck Iranian air defenses, nuclear facilities, and other critical sites.

Drill Details

Iranian naval ships fired cruise missiles at sea targets.
Drones were deployed over the open waters for surveillance and strike exercises.
No official footage of the drill was immediately released by state TV.
The Iranian navy, estimated at 18,000 personnel, avoided major damage in the June war.

Naval Structure and Operations

Iran’s navy operates from Bandar Abbas and patrols the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Caspian Sea. In contrast, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are primarily under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

The IRGC naval forces have a history of seizing Western commercial vessels and shadowing U.S. Navy ships, particularly after the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Post-War Messaging

Iranian officials have emphasized their readiness to counter future Israeli military actions. Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh announced that Iran’s forces are now equipped with new missiles.

“In response to any potential enemy adventurism, our forces are prepared to use these new missiles effectively,” Nasirzadeh said, according to state-run IRNA.

Tensions Over Nuclear Program

Alongside its military posture, Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency had been monitoring Tehran’s nuclear facilities as the country enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels.

European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—have warned Iran that failure to resolve its dispute with the IAEA by August 31 will result in the reimposition of all United Nations sanctions previously lifted under the accord.

Sanctions Pressure

Iran’s economy is already struggling under U.S. sanctions reimposed in 2018 after Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Analysts warn that if U.N. sanctions are reinstated, the economic strain could deepen further, isolating Tehran both politically and financially.

Key Takeaways

This is Iran’s first drill since the June war with Israel.
The military exercise is designed to show readiness and deterrence.
Iran is simultaneously escalating tensions with the IAEA over its nuclear program.
European powers are pressuring Tehran with the threat of U.N. “snapback” sanctions.
Renewed sanctions could severely weaken Iran’s economy, already impacted by U.S. restrictions.