Iran trialled with success a cruise missile on Sunday during naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, at a time of heated tensions with the United States, Reuters reports. In the past Tehran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route at the mouth of the Gulf, in retaliation for any hostile U.S. action, including attempts to halt Iranian oil exports through sanctions.
Mainly, Washington announced in August that Iran proceeded to test-fire a short-range anti-ship missile in the strait during naval drills.
The state supported that Iran’s test trial was intended as a warning following President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose sanctions on Tehran.
Moreover, IRNA, the official news agency, stated
On the third day of the … exercises, a Ghadir-class Iranian navy submarine successfully launched a cruise missile.
According to the news agency Iran’s additional submarines, meaning the Tareq and the newbuild Fateh, have the same anti-vessel capability.
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In addition, up to 100 vessels participated in the continuous three-day war games in the area from the Strait of Hormuz to the Indian Ocean.
Europe and the US seem to be concerned over Iran’s expansion missile program, mostly because of its ballistic missiles.
Tehran supports that the program provides deterrent capabilities and is defensive.
Finally, western experts are of the opinion that Iran often overemphasizes its weapons capabilities, although there are concerns about its long-range ballistic missiles.
