Navy Kicks Off Drills In Strait of Hormuz

Iran has begun an annual naval exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, reports the semi-official Mehr News Agency (Tehran). 

The Velayat 97 drills began on Friday and will run for a week, including three days of at-sea operations. 

The training will take place from the Strait of Hormuz to the northern Indian Ocean, Rear Adm. Hossein Khanzadi, the navy chief, said on Thursday.

The exercise consists of four phases, including a parade, a combat simulation, amphibious operations and torpedo and missile live-firings, he said. 

More than 100 Iranian vessels are taking part, including the recently unveiled Fateh submarine and Sahand destroyer. Helicopters and surveillance aircraft are also participating, reported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.