Iran has recently increased the armament of its naval forces in response to mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy obtained additional drones and precision missiles with ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). The official handover ceremony occurred on Saturday, with state-run media outlets reporting the acquisitions.
The new weaponry includes reconnaissance and combat drones, electronic warfare equipment, truck-mounted missile launchers, and numerous cruise and ballistic missiles. This development follows reports earlier in the week that US military officials had devised plans to deploy armed troops on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to what the Pentagon dubbed “alarming events,” such as the seizure of commercial vessels by Iran, additional fighter jets and naval assets were deployed to the Persian Gulf region last month.
Brigadier General Abolfazi Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian military, criticized Washington’s proposal to deploy troops on private ships. He questioned the presence of the US in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean, asking, “What is your business here?” The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil transportation, accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supplies and a third of all seaborne crude shipments. Tehran often accuses detained ships of shipping violations, such as oil smuggling, and some have been released only after other countries free detained Iranian tankers.
According to the IRGC Navy’s commander, Alireza Tangsiri, the new missiles offer enhanced accuracy and longer range compared to the previous arsenal. He explained that the cruise missiles have the capability to simultaneously target multiple locations, with the ability to alter commands after takeoff.
US-Iran tensions have escalated since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Despite the change in US leadership when Joe Biden succeeded Donald Trump as president in January 2021, efforts to revive the agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have been unsuccessful.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains a point of concern for global security and stability. The increased weaponry of Iran’s naval forces raises further questions about the potential for future conflict. As tensions continue to mount between Iran and the US, the international community closely monitors developments in the region and hopes for diplomatic solutions to diffuse the situation.
In conclusion, Iran’s recent acquisition of additional drones and precision missiles with extended ranges reflects the country’s response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The provision of enhanced weaponry to the IRGC Navy comes amidst reports of the US considering the deployment of armed troops on commercial ships. The strategic importance of the strait as a major oil transportation route highlights the significance of these developments. The international community closely watches the situation and seeks diplomatic resolutions to ease tensions between Iran and the US.
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