In a bold demonstration of military prowess, Iran’s armed forces launched a series of ballistic and cruise missiles targeting simulated threats near the Persian Gulf on Friday. This military exercise underscores Iran’s intent to deter foreign adversaries and assert its strategic capabilities.

The maneuvers, orchestrated by the Revolutionary Guards Navy, commenced on Thursday, encompassing the strategic waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. According to Reuters, these exercises involved a significant launch of Qadr series missiles—Qadr 110, Qadr 380, and Qadr 360—alongside various ballistic missiles aimed at designated targets in the Gulf of Oman.

Iranian state media provided coverage of the event, showcasing footage of the missiles being launched and successfully striking their intended targets. This visual evidence served to reinforce the message of military readiness and precision.

In an image released by Sepahnews, the media outlet of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a missile is seen ascending into the sky, captured during the drills conducted on December 4, 2025. The photograph, distributed via the Associated Press, offers a glimpse into the scale and seriousness of the exercise.

State media further highlighted the significance of these drills, emphasizing the “unwavering spirit and resistance” of Iran’s naval forces in the face of potential threats. This narrative, as reported by Reuters, is indicative of Iran’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and projecting strength in a volatile region.

State media said the drills demonstrated the “unwavering spirit and resistance” of Iran’s sailors in confronting threats, Reuters also reported.

The drill is the second one after the Israel-Iran war in June that killed nearly 1,100 people in Iran, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Missile attacks by Iran killed 28 in Israel. 

An Iranian missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran Aug. 20, 2025.  (Iranian Army/West Asia News Agency/Reuters)

Since the end of the war, Iran has increasingly insisted it is ready to counter any future Israeli attack. Iran launched its first naval drill in the area in August.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is mainly in charge of operations in the Persian Gulf and its narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz. The national navy is in charge of Sea of Oman and beyond. 

Iran has long threatened to close off the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of all global oil traded passes, according to The Associated Press.

In this image provided Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a missile is launched as a part of a drill near the Persian Gulf. (Sepahnews via AP)

The U.S. Navy has long patrolled the Mideast through its Bahrain-based 5th Fleet to keep the waterways open.