TEHRAN: Iran’s Navy fired ballistic and cruise missiles at simulated targets in the Gulf on Friday during a two-day military exercise aimed at countering foreign threats.

Earlier, Iran hosted an anti-terrorism drill in its north-western province of East Azerbaijan with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which was intended to signal both peace and friendship to neighbouring states and warn enemies that any miscalculation would meet a decisive response.

State media reported a massive launch of Qadr 110, Qadr 380 and Qadr 360 cruise missiles and 303 ballistic missiles at targets in the Gulf of Oman. Drones simultaneously struck simulated enemy bases, the reports said.

The navy began its exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman on Thursday.

It emphasised what it said was its heightened artificial intelligence readiness and the “unwavering spirit and resistance” of its sailors in confronting any threat.

The West sees Iran’s ballistic missiles both as a conventional military threat to regional stability and a possible delivery mechanism for nuclear weapons should Tehran develop them.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2025