Iran’s military exercise successful: Official

TEHRAN - Iran Thursday successfully conducted the first phase of its military exercise in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, an official said.

“The objective of the first stage of the military exercise was to destroy targets of the hypothetical enemy on the ground,” Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) spokesman Brigadier General Ali-Reza Tangsiri told reporters.

The exercise dubbed “Holy Prophet 5” coincides with the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the IRGC, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The war game is to demonstrate the country’s defence capabilities and determination to maintain security in the region. The IRGC’s naval, air and ground forces are taking part in the exercise.

Tangsiri announced that a new vessel designed and constructed by Iranian engineers was tested Thursday. The Iranian Navy also test-fired a range of homemade missiles during the exercise.