Iran stages first military drill after war with Israel, fires missiles in Gulf of Oman

European powers, France, Germany, and the UK, have warned they will trigger a “snapback” of United Nations sanctions if Iran does not resolve its dispute with the IAEA by August 31.

Iran launched its first military exercise since the end of its 12-day war with Israel, state television reported on Thursday. Naval vessels fired cruise missiles at sea targets in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, while drones were deployed for surveillance.

Though such drills are routine, the timing of the “Sustainable Power 1404” exercise is significant. It comes weeks after Israeli strikes destroyed parts of Iran’s air defense network and damaged nuclear facilities, forcing Tehran to reassert its military capabilities.

Navy avoids war losses, projects strength

Iran’s navy, with around 18,000 personnel, is headquartered in the port city of Bandar Abbas and operates across the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Caspian Sea. It largely leaves the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to the Revolutionary Guard’s naval units, which are known for seizing Western vessels and confronting U.S. warships.

During the June war, Iran’s navy escaped major attacks. The latest drills are being interpreted as a calculated effort to showcase readiness against potential future Israeli operations.

New missile systems unveiled

Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh said Wednesday that the armed forces have been equipped with new missile systems. Speaking to state media, he warned, “In response to any potential enemy adventurism, our forces are prepared to use these new missiles effectively.”

This declaration underscores Tehran’s attempt to demonstrate that its military remains resilient despite battlefield setbacks.

Nuclear tensions intensify

Parallel to its military posturing, Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Inspectors had been monitoring sites where Tehran enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels.

European powers, France, Germany, and the UK, have warned they will trigger a “snapback” of United Nations sanctions if Iran does not resolve its dispute with the IAEA by August 31.