Iran Launches Ballistic and Cruise Missiles in Persian Gulf Military Drills
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy conducted a significant military exercise near the Persian Gulf on December 5, 2025, launching ballistic and cruise missiles toward simulated targets in the Gulf of Oman as part of a show of force aimed at deterring foreign threats. The drills, which began Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz and extended into the Gulf of Oman, involved the deployment of multiple missile types, including the Qadr 110, Qadr 380, and Qadr 360 cruise missiles, alongside ballistic missiles.
State media footage broadcast during the exercise revealed the missiles’ launches and their successful strikes on designated targets, underscoring Tehran’s emphasis on its missile capabilities. Iranian officials described the drills as a demonstration of the “unwavering spirit and resistance” of their naval forces in confronting external adversaries. This marks the second major military exercise in the strategically vital waterways since the June conflict between Israel and Iran, which resulted in nearly 1,100 Iranian casualties, including military commanders and nuclear scientists.
Since the end of that war, Iran has repeatedly signaled its readiness to counter any future Israeli aggression. The Revolutionary Guards, a paramilitary force tasked primarily with operations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, have taken the lead in these exercises. Meanwhile, Iran’s national navy oversees operations in the Sea of Oman and beyond. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with approximately 20% of the world’s traded oil passing through its narrow passage, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Iran has long threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to economic sanctions or military threats, a move that would have profound implications for global energy markets. The United States maintains a strong naval presence in the region through its Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, to ensure freedom of navigation and to deter disruptions to maritime traffic.
These recent drills follow Iran’s first naval exercise in the area in August 2025, reflecting a pattern of increased military activity in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Revolutionary Guards’ missile launches come at a time when Iran claims its missile arsenal now “far surpasses” pre-war levels, following Israeli bombardments earlier this year.
U.S. officials and international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, given the potential for escalation in the region. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized the importance of maintaining open sea lanes and has condemned any actions that threaten regional stability.
As Iran continues to assert its military capabilities, the delicate balance of power in the Middle East remains precarious, with the Persian Gulf serving as a focal point for strategic rivalry. The latest missile drills underscore Tehran’s intent to project strength and deter perceived foreign interference in its sphere of influence.
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