Iran Guard Holds Tehran Drills Amid War Tensions
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- Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted military drills in Tehran on May 12, 2026, with the Basij paramilitary force, to boost combat capability against the "American‑Zionist enemy."
- Brigadier General Hassan Hassanzadeh said the exercises were "successfully carried out" and aimed at confronting any movement of the American‑Zionist enemy.
- Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil, gas and fertilizer, to exert economic pressure on the United States and its allies.
- U.S. Navy has responded by blockading Iran's ports, at times disabling or diverting ships traveling to and from them.
Why it matters: Iran's drills underscore its readiness to defend its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which already threatens oil shipments and raises costs for global consumers.
