Iran has begun air defense exercises, amid rising tensions with arch-enemy Israel and the United States under President Donald Trump. The two-month-long exercises, launched on January 4, have already included war games where Iranian elite forces defended nuclear installations against mock attacks.
The drills are part of Iran’s efforts to bolster its defenses against potential Israeli aggression, particularly if Trump were to empower Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attack the country’s nuclear sites. Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy is also seen as a threat, with sanctions on Iran’s oil industry expected to worsen relations.
Iranian officials have downplayed recent setbacks in Lebanon and Syria, but acknowledge that the country faces significant challenges. A top Iranian general reportedly admitted that Iran suffered losses in Syria, despite efforts by President Bashar Al-Assad to rally support from his allies.
The exercises are part of a broader effort to strengthen Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its missile forces. The country has released footage of new drones and missiles being tested during the drills, as well as an underground “missile city” visited by Guards Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-holding-war-games-it-faces-israel-tensions-trumps-return-2025-01-11