Iran Begins Navy Drills Near Strategic Strait
According to a report from AP via Xinhua, Iran's navy has begun a 10-day drill in international waters near the strategic oil route that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The exercises, dubbed "Velayat 90", could bring Iranian ships into proximity with US navy vessels in the area, according to the report.
The exercise covers a 2,000-kmstretch of sea off the Strait of Hormuz, northern parts of the Indian Ocean and into the Gulf of Aden, near the entrance to the Red Sea. It is reported to be the first time that Iran's navy has conducted drills over such a vast area. (Source: AP-Xinhua)