Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jan 9: Iran has commenced its large-scale Eqtedar military drills, emphasizing its defensive prowess at a time of mounting tensions with the United States and Israel over its nuclear ambitions. These exercises, involving both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular army, are a robust demonstration of Iran’s preparedness to counter external threats.
The drills, which translate to "might" in Farsi, focus heavily on defending the Natanz nuclear facility, a critical hub in Iran's uranium enrichment programme. Under the directive of Iran’s air defence headquarters commander, the exercises simulate various scenarios, including electronic warfare, to evaluate their defensive readiness. General Hossein Salami, IRGC’s commander-in-chief, highlighted the importance of the drills, stating they aim to create “real-life conditions to test our capabilities.”
Expanding to multiple regions and involving various IRGC branches such as the navy and Basij forces, the drills will continue until mid-March. State media described them as a strategic response to evolving security threats.
Rising Global Tensions
The drills coincide with escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Recent reports indicate that U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has presented potential military options to President Joe Biden in response to Iran’s advancing nuclear programme.
While Iran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed uranium enrichment to 60% purity—a level nearing the 90% threshold required for weapons-grade material. This development raises significant global concerns, positioning Iran closer to a nuclear weapons capability.
Legacy of Conflict
Tensions have been high since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, under former President Donald Trump. The withdrawal reintroduced sanctions on Iran and intensified hostilities, marked by the assassination of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
In retaliation, Iran expanded its uranium enrichment programme, prompting experts to label it a "nuclear threshold state." Meanwhile, covert operations, allegedly orchestrated by Israel, have targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure, including the 2021 sabotage of the Natanz facility and the assassination of top nuclear scientists.
Iran’s Eqtedar drills, described by its officials as a clear message of deterrence, underscore the nation's readiness to confront any perceived threats amidst ongoing regional and international tensions.