Iran has commenced extensive two-day war games in its central region, a move that comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the area. These tensions have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israel.

Iran has commenced extensive two-day military exercises in the central region of the country, coinciding with heightened regional tensions. These tensions have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the Palestinian armed group Hamas and Israel.

The military exercise, named 'Eqtedar 1402,' commenced in the Nasrabad area of Isfahan province. According to Iranian media, Brigadier General Karim Cheshak, the exercise's spokesperson, revealed that it encompasses infantry units, a range of military equipment, warplanes, drones, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Cheshak mentioned that approximately 200 helicopters were engaged in operations on the first day of the exercise. He further clarified that the exercise aims to evaluate the combat preparedness of Iran's ground forces and examine combat strategies. Additionally, one of the exercise's objectives is to enhance deterrence capabilities against emerging threats and promote lasting security, as stated by the official.

The spokesman, without specifying the exact number of participating personnel, outlined that the exercise would be structured into four stages. The first stage will centre on deploying four brigades to the exercise location, while the second stage will encompass reconnaissance operations.

According to reports, the third and fourth stages of the exercise will be focused on coastal defense scenarios and nighttime airborne operations. Local media has shared videos showing numerous tanks situated in desert terrain, with several helicopters preparing for takeoff at an airport.

The large-scale war games in Iran come in the wake of the Pentagon's announcement on Thursday regarding its airstrikes on military installations in eastern Syria. These installations were reported to be used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite branch of Iran's military. The Pentagon clarified that the attack was unrelated to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in a significant number of casualties on both sides. Iran, which maintains close ties with both Hamas and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah Islamist military group, has consistently criticized Israel for what it alleges to be "war crimes."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a warning, emphasizing that although Washington prefers to avoid a conflict with Tehran, any attack on US personnel by Iran or its proxies will elicit a rapid and resolute response from the United States.

Tehran has conveyed its stance, asserting that its armed forces will refrain from hostilities as long as there are no aggressive actions by Israeli authorities targeting Iran, its interests, or its citizens.

Image source: Ground News