Iran expands military drills as Israel moots striking nuclear sites

A senior Iranian military commander said expanding military drills showcase the country's deterrence and defense capabilities as a spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister again broached a potential attack on Iran's nuclear program.

“These drills contribute to enhancing our combat readiness, demonstrating our national deterrence capabilities, and informing the public of our defensive strength,” said Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, chief of staff and deputy coordinator of the army.

“At the same time, they allow our adversaries to witness the extent of our deterrence and defense power.”

This military build-up comes as tensions with Israel and the US persist, with growing attention on Donald Trump’s stance on Iran.

Israeli officials have reiterated the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear program. On Thursday, Omer Dostri, spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told The Jerusalem Post that while Israel prefers a diplomatic solution, it doubts Iran will comply.

“War is one way to achieve our objectives. If Iran halts its nuclear ambitions without an Israeli strike, fantastic,” he said. “But we do not expect that to happen.”

Dostri also said Israel hopes to work with Trump to restore his maximum pressure policy, which had imposed severe sanctions on Iran.

While Trump has suggested he may seek a diplomatic solution, Dostri made it clear that Israel is ready to act alone if needed. “We’ll give it a chance, but the clock is ticking. If necessary, we will act – with or without American approval.”

The latest drills in Iran included joint operations between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army, focusing on protecting key nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow.

The exercises, set to continue until mid-March, follow Iran’s unveiling of the Zagros, its first signals intelligence (SIGINT) vessel for electronic surveillance. Iran has also received 1,000 new drones to strengthen its defense capabilities.

Earlier this month, 110,000 paramilitary Basij forces took part in an IRGC drill to prepare for potential threats to Tehran.