Iran’s Military Drills Spark Fears of U.S.-Israel Attack
Iran’s military forces are in the midst of extensive drills, with some analysts believing the exercises are preparations for a potential U.S.-Israeli or combined attack on its nuclear facilities. The four-day drills, dubbed “Great Prophet 19,” began on January 4 and include the testing of new weapons and equipment, as well as the capabilities of Iran’s Basij paramilitary forces.
Brigadier Gen. Mohammad-Nazar Azimi, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Najaf Ashraf West Headquarters, touted the exercises as a demonstration of Iran’s readiness to respond to any attack. Analysts suggest that the drills are also intended to quash any potential domestic uprising against the government in the event of an attack.
Iran’s leaders are believed to be concerned about the pressure being exerted by Israel and its Western allies, and are likely anticipating a potential increase in pressure from President-elect Donald Trump when he returns to office on January 20. Trump has been considering options to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, and Iranian officials have long said they do not intend to pursue nuclear weapons, but have since ramped up their nuclear enrichment programs.
One of the key features of the “Great Prophet 19” exercise has been a simulated aerial assault on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, with fictional strikes seeing an enemy hit the plant with a bunker-buster bomb. The drills also include the testing of domestically made air defense systems, including the Dezful surface-to-air missile system.
The exercises are seen as a demonstration of power by Iran, prompted by the dramatic changes in the balance of power in the Middle East. Analysts believe that the drills will send a message to Israel and the U.S. about Iran’s power and readiness, and will test the country’s ability to respond to and defend against an attack from outside.
