Massive Naval Drill Enters Final Stage

The last phase of a large-scale military drill by the Iranian Navy began on Sunday in a vast maritime zone from the country's south to the north of Indian Ocean.

The wargame, codenamed "Velayat 95", started in the southern parts of Iran on the order of Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Tasnim News Agency reported.

The drill covers an area of 2 million square kilometers, stretching from the Strait of Hormuz and Oman Sea to the north of Indian Ocean and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

A range of naval equipment is utilized in the drill, including homegrown submarines and helicopters. The previous phases of the drill were held in 2016.

In addition, Navy's commando units are carrying out special operations in the Makran region located in southeast of the country, along the coasts of the Sea of Oman.

In June 2016, Sayyari said the Navy had plans for 20 military drills in the current Iranian year, which ends on March 20.

According to the commander, the drills included electronic warfare, missile tests, intelligence operations, deployment of submarines and relief and rescue operations.

Iran's armed forces hold routine military exercises throughout the year.

Iranian officials have made it clear that the country's military program, including the routine exercises and test of new missiles, will not be hampered by anything, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear agreement between Iran and major powers, which took effect in January 2016.