Iran's 'Great Prophet' Gulf exercises to secure 'passageway' for oil to the world'
NICOSIA — Iran's elite military has launched a major exercise.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun a major naval
exercise in the Gulf region. Officials said the three-day exercise, titled
"Great Prophet," began on April 22 and would last three days.
"The goal of these maneuvers is to affirm the security of the Gulf
region and Strait of Hormuz, which comprises the main passageway for
transferring energy resources to the world," IRGC deputy commander Brig.
Gen. Hussein Salami said.
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In a briefing on April 21, Salami said all arms of IRGC were expected
to participate in Great Prophet. The brigadier general said the exercise was
meant to demonstrate Iran's protection of the Gulf.
Great Prophet marked the first major naval exercise in 2010. Officials
said IRGC has been bolstering its naval force through the acquisition of
hundreds of fast patrol and attack craft.
"This war game is not a threat for any friendly countries," Salami said.
Officials said the exercise would also test Iran's new indigenous
missiles as well as a fast attack craft. They said IRGC deployed 300 such
vessels during Great Prophet.
"Iranian missiles and other weapons will be used to test Iran's defense
capability," Salami said.
