Iran begins "Great Prophet" military exercise

On April 12, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began a large-scale military exercise called "Great Prophet" in Sistan-Baluchestan province in the southeast of the country.

Iranian Air Force participates in a military exercise. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Press TV reported that the IRGC deployed 10 unmanned surveillance drones to participate in the exercise.

IRGC Ground Forces Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour was quoted as saying that the three-day drill was also conducted in Kerman, South Khorasan and Hormozgan provinces in eastern and southern Iran.

According to Mr. Pakpour, the purpose of this exercise is to maintain the combat readiness of IRGC forces, demonstrate the power of the Iranian Armed Forces, improve security in the region and practice tactics.

In March, the IRGC conducted missile drills and test-fired several ballistic missiles, which drew criticism from the West over concerns that Iran could develop nuclear-capable missiles as part of its missile program.

However, Tehran has rejected the allegations, asserting the defensive and peaceful nature of Iran's missile program.

According to VIETNAM+