Iran runs military drill on disputed islands in the Persian Gulf

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Wednesday launched an unannounced military drill on two Persian Gulf islands claimed by the United Arab Emirates. The Revolutionary Guard ran the drill mostly on Abu Musa Island, although forces also landed on the Greater Tunb, Iranian state media reported. Nearby Lesser Tunb island is also claimed by UAE. The drill involved ships, paratroopers, drones, and missile units, state media reported.

Why did Iran run the drill? Iran did not provide a reason for launching the military exercise. The Guard’s chief, Gen. Hossein Salami said in a speech broadcast during the drill that Iran is capable of defending regional waters and they don’t need the presence of “foreigners.” The drill took place as thousands of U.S. Marines and sailors were on their way to the Persian Gulf. They were deployed in response to Iran’s attempts to threaten commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Pentagon report. About 20 percent of the world’s oil is shipped through the narrow channel.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour about healthcare in the Middle East.