Senior Iranian military officials say the country's armed forces will conduct a large-scale military exercise in the south of the country beginning December 25.
Iranian Navy commander Rear Admiral Hobibollah Sayyari said the seven-day exercises are titled “Mohammad Rosulollah” (eds. Mohammad the Messenger of Allah) and will involve the army, the navy, and the air force.
The naval forces of the Revolutionary Guards Force (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary militia also will participate.
Iranian military officials have said that the country’s military abilities will be displayed during the exercises and that new weapons and tactics will be tested.
Army Brigadier General Abdolrahim Musavi said last week that the military drills carry the message of “peace and friendship” and demonstrate that Iran is "opposed to the presence of foreigners in the region.”