Iran has kicked off a large-scale air defense exercise covering its western and northern air defense zones.
The drills codenamed Eqtedar (Might), aimed at safeguarding key nuclear sites like Fordow and Khondab.
The exercises come amid heightened tensions with Israel and the US and a few days before new President-elect Donald Trump’s second term in office.
Why Iran is Conducting These Exercises?
Led by Iran’s Army Air Defense Force, the exercises simulate defending critical infrastructure from aerial and missile attacks.
State media reports that the drills involve missile systems, radar, electronic warfare, and intelligence units.
This follows similar war games in January near the Natanz nuclear facility when the tensions with Israel ran an all-time high.
Why is It Important?
Iranian officials claim the military buildup is a response to “new security threats”
The exercises come after Israeli airstrikes allegedly wiped out Iran’s last Russian-made S-300 air defense systems.
Despite this, Iran is pretending to be strong, particularly after the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria.
