Use of the Latest Cruise Missile in Iran's Naval Exercise

Hosseini Dehghan, Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Support, announced on Monday, March 9, the operational use of Iran's latest naval cruise missile named "Nasir" during a naval exercise. The Tasnim News Agency also reported that anti-ship and laser-guided missiles "Dehlavieh" were utilized in this exercise. According to Fars News Agency, Hosseini Dehghan stated that in the "Velayat 95" naval exercise, the Nasir missile successfully hit its target. However, the Minister of Defense did not mention the specifications of the Nasir missile, including its range. The final phase of the Velayat 95 naval exercise began on Sunday, spanning from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, commander of the Navy, previously stated that this exercise would take place over an area of two million square kilometers, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, the northern Indian Ocean, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, with surface and underwater naval units present along with naval helicopters. The Strait of Hormuz, which is part of the exercise area, is a very sensitive point in the Persian Gulf through which about one-third of the world's oil passes. Reports indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not participating in this exercise. Meanwhile, according to Tasnim News Agency, the Dehlavieh anti-ship and laser-guided missiles were unveiled for the first time on Tuesday, the second day of the final phase of the Velayat 95 naval exercise. The report stated that the smart missile launch systems of Dehlavieh were tested and successfully destroyed target vessels after launch. According to Tasnim, these missiles, developed by domestic specialists, are anti-ship and are laser-guided. The report did not mention the specifications of the Dehlavieh missile, including its range. The Minister of Defense announced on November 9, 2013, the design and production of the Dehlavieh missile along with several other missiles, calling it part of Iran's "effective and deterrent capability." Previously, the IRGC launched a cruise missile known as "Somar" capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on January 30, which drew criticism from the United States and the European Union, with the then National Security Advisor of the U.S. President officially warning Iran. Additionally, Donald Trump, the U.S. President, tweeted: "Iran is playing with fire." Simultaneously, two Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate stated that nothing prevents Congress from imposing further sanctions against Iran. Furthermore, Washington declared this missile test a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA. In this context, the U.S. Treasury Department on February 4 placed 25 individuals and entities related to Iran's missile test on its sanctions list, including 13 individuals and 12 companies, some of which operate in the UAE, Lebanon, and China. Hosseini Dehghan confirmed the missile test but stated that "the recent test was in line with our plans, and we will not allow any foreign interference in our defense matters."