Iran Update, January 24, 2025
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy continued the “Great Prophet 19” military exercise in the Persian Gulf near the shores of Bushehr and Khuzestan Provinces on January 24.[56] IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that the exercise demonstrates “peace and security” for regional neighbors while warning “transregional forces” against destabilizing actions. The exercise reportedly features high-speed missile boats, deployable naval mines, and precision-strike drones. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported Very High Frequency (VHF) radio challenges to vessels in the northern Persian Gulf, likely linked to the exercise, and warned mariners near Iranian waters about possible course change demands.[57] The IRGC Navy likely aims to showcase its ability to disrupt maritime traffic near the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, an approach Iran has previously used in response to international sanctions.[58]
Iran and Oman signed an economic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the 21st Joint Cooperation Meeting in Muscat which includes preferential trade, tariff reductions, and customs cooperation.[59] Iranian Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak emphasized investment support, shipping routes, and expanded flights as key priorities. Iranian officials visited Armenia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Russia, and Oman in January 2025 primarily to strengthen economic ties as part of Iran’s broader neighborhood policy.[60]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-january-24-2025
Iran Update, January 25, 2025
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy continued the “Great Prophet 19” exercise in the Persian Gulf on January 25.[56] The IRGC Navy launched “Ghaem” and “Almas” missiles, which it claims are AI-guided, from Mohajer-6 and Ababil-5 drones. The exercise included the Navab air defense missile launches, ballistic missile tests, and IRGC commandos conducting land and sea operations. The IRGC Navy also unveiled the Kowsar-222 air defense missile, which reportedly has a 17 km range and operates on ”Ashura“ and ”Zolfaghar” vessels.[57]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-january-25-2025