Iran Says Ready For Military Exercises With 'Friends And Allies'

Iran’s Commander of the Army Air Defense Force has declared the readiness to engage in cooperative military activities with "friendly and allied" countries.

During a meeting of foreign military attaches stationed in Tehran, Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard said that Iran is prepared to expand various forms of military cooperation, which include planning joint exercises and exchanging technical and operational expertise, as well as holding regular bilateral meetings.

As reported by the Fars News Agency, Sabahifard also emphasized the army’s need to exchange knowledge and experience with allies, as well as share new scientific developments and the strategic aims.

Prioritizing equipment reliability and operational performance enhancement, he disclosed ongoing efforts to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs, aligning with standard practices adopted by military forces around the world.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. In recent weeks, the United States has increased its military presence in response to Iran's actions aimed at disrupting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters.

The Pentagon's response included the deployment of additional F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, along with a warship to the Middle East. These measures were taken to monitor crucial waterways in the region following Iran's seizure and harassment of commercial shipping vessels.

Incidents involving shipping in Persian Gulf waters have occurred since 2019 during times of escalated tensions between the United States and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil and oil products pass, remains a strategically vital maritime choke point.