The Islamic Revolutionary Guards launched a naval military drill in the strategic Strait of Hormuz yesterday, dubbed the 14th Prophet, during which the IRGC conducted numerous naval maneuvers broadcast live by Iranian state television. Among others, the IRGC – which said it will use “advanced missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and radar units” in its drill; it also published a coordinated attack exercise against an aircraft carrier – in an apparent ‘signal of intent’ vis-à-vis the United States, which has two deployed carriers in the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations.
In response to the Iranian drill of a carrier takeover; Commander Rebecca Rebarich, spokeswoman for the U.S. 5th Fleet informed TV7 in a written statement “We are aware of the Iranian exercise involving attacking a mock-up of a vessel similar to a motionless aircraft carrier. The U.S. Navy conducts defensive exercises with our partners promoting maritime security in support of freedom of navigation; whereas, Iran conducts offensive exercises, attempting to intimidate and coerce.” Commander Reberich further stressed “While we are always watchful of this type of irresponsible and reckless behavior by Iran in the vicinity of busy international waterways, this exercise has not disrupted coalition operations in the area nor had any impacts to the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.”