Pentagon: Iran's Maritime Activities in Southern Waters Have Increased

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army in the Middle East states that Iran's maritime activities in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Oman Sea have increased. Several U.S. government officials have also indicated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is expected to conduct a military exercise in the region soon. On July 31, CNN reported that Iranian military forces were preparing for a 'large-scale exercise' in the Persian Gulf, which was later echoed by Reuters. Despite the mention of these reports by Iranian state media, there has been no official response or statement from the Islamic Republic regarding this matter. Captain Bill Urban, spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in West Asia and North Africa, stated, 'We are aware of the increased Iranian military maritime activities in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Oman Sea.' He added, 'We are closely monitoring these activities and will continue to work with our allies to ensure freedom of navigation and commercial transportation in international waters.' The spokesperson did not provide further details. Reuters, citing several U.S. officials, reported that Iran might conduct a military exercise within the next 48 hours, with the IRGC preparing over a hundred vessels and potentially involving hundreds of ground forces. According to U.S. officials, this potential exercise appears to be aimed at sending a message to Washington, especially as the U.S. has ramped up political and diplomatic efforts to increase pressure on Tehran since exiting the JCPOA. Reuters also noted that Donald Trump's policies have significantly pressured Iran's economy, although U.S. intelligence agencies suspect that this pressure may ultimately lead to increased dissatisfaction with the U.S. and a strengthening of hardliners within the Islamic Republic. On the other hand, some Trump administration officials claim there is no distinction within the Iranian government between those described as 'moderates' and hardliners. Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, recently stated during a speech to a group of Iranian-Americans in California that 'their nuclear agreement did not moderate them; it turned them into wolves in sheep's clothing.' The reports of a potential military exercise coincide with a new wave of protests and demonstrations in various Iranian cities due to the plummeting value of the rial, economic conditions, rising prices, and the daily increase in the cost of currency and gold.