IRGC Conducts Military Exercises in Iranian Islands; Salami: No Need for US and Europe Presence in the Region

Simultaneously with the announcement of an expanded US military presence in the Persian Gulf to ensure maritime trade security in the region, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) held military exercises on Wednesday in the Iranian islands of the Persian Gulf. According to the Associated Press, the IRGC showcased speedboats, paratroopers, drones, and missile systems during the exercises focused on Abu Musa Island and Greater Tunb Island. Hossein Salami, the commander of the IRGC, stated on the sidelines of the exercises: 'The main message of the IRGC Navy exercises is that the countries of the region can independently and based on Islamic brotherhood and friendship establish security in the Persian Gulf.' He also emphasized: 'There is no need for the presence of the United States or its European allies in this region.' General Michael Kurilla, the commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), had previously announced the deployment of thousands of American Marines and sailors along with fighter jets and the USS Thomas Hudner destroyer to the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran's efforts to threaten the free flow of commercial shipping. On July 26, the 'Guardian Shield' exercise of a naval coalition consisting of forces from 11 countries, including the US and the UK, which patrol and monitor the waterways of the Middle East, concluded in the Persian Gulf. According to Voice of America, the 'Guardian Shield' exercise coincided with the strengthening of the US military presence in the Middle East and General Michael Kurilla's visit to Israel, where he met with senior officials including Yoav Gallant, Israel's Minister of Defense. The CENTCOM commander went to Egypt with the aim of 'strengthening military cooperation.'