Iran has launched its most significant military exercise since its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, sending a clear message of deterrence to regional adversaries and the world. On August 21, 2025, state television reported that the Iranian navy began the two-day exercise—dubbed both “Sustainable Power 1404” and “Eqtedar 1404” by different official sources—in the northern Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. The drill, which also involved the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, marks a pivotal moment as Iran seeks to project strength following the devastation of its air defense systems and nuclear sites during the war with Israel.
According to the Associated Press, the exercise saw the frigate IRIS Sabalan and the smaller IRIS Ganaveh launch Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles at sea targets, successfully striking them. Coastal batteries also opened fire, adding to the display of force. The maneuvers did not stop there. As reported by Ynet and other regional outlets, the two-day drill included naval and submarine units, air forces, coastal and sea-based missile launch platforms, and electronic warfare teams. Drone operations were also featured, drawing on operational experience from recent years and relying heavily on domestic expertise.
Military spokesperson Abbas Hassani emphasized that the exercise was designed to boost combat readiness, enhance planning and command capabilities, and create deterrence. He also noted a psychological aim: instilling “a sense of security and hope among the Iranian public.” Hassani highlighted the use of a wide range of precision cruise missiles—short, medium, and long-range—targeting maritime threats, all developed within Iran.
The timing of the drill was no coincidence. It came just ahead of Iran’s National Defense Industry Day on August 22, and amid ongoing threats from Iranian regime leaders against both Israel and the United States. The exercise, in the words of Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, demonstrated “the strategic and decisive impact of some Iranian defense industry achievements” in countering adversaries. Mousavi asserted, “The only way to protect the nation from threats is to pursue a strategy of strengthening defense, improving deterrence, and upgrading military systems, equipment and weapons across land, sea, air, space, defense, cyber and electronic warfare.”
Iran’s navy, with an estimated 18,000 personnel and based out of the port city of Bandar Abbas, traditionally patrols the Gulf of Oman, the Indian Ocean, and the Caspian Sea. The more volatile Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, however, remain under the watchful eye of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. This force has a reputation for seizing Western vessels and closely shadowing U.S. Navy ships, especially since the breakdown of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Since the end of the war with Israel, Iranian officials have been vocal about their readiness for any future confrontation. On August 20, Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh told the state-run IRNA news agency, “In response to any potential enemy adventurism, our forces are prepared to use these new missiles effectively.” He added, “The missiles used in the war with Israel were developed by the Defense Ministry years ago. We now have far superior missiles. If the Zionist enemy undertakes another adventure, we’ll use them.”
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s advisor, Yahya Rahim Safavi, echoed the sense of ongoing tension, telling reporters on August 21, “We’re not in a ceasefire now, but in a phase of war that could collapse anytime. There’s no protocol or agreement with the Israelis—or the Americans.” This persistent state of alertness is reflected in the Israeli Defense Forces’ posture as well. IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effi Defrin stated, “Alongside operations in Gaza, we continue defensive and offensive actions on the Lebanon, Syria and Judea and Samaria borders, while monitoring developments in Iran.”
Yet not everyone is convinced by Iran’s martial display. Beni Sabti, an Iran program researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), told Ynet, “Their navy can’t stand up to the Americans. They have no chance.” Sabti suggested that the exercise might be more about internal morale and external deterrence than about real power projection. “These drills are for self-encouragement, to show they’re strong and things work. Don’t underestimate them, but it comes from a place of weakness,” he remarked. Sabti added, “Out of fear, Iranians threaten more to stop you from starting something. We’ve fallen for this for decades and they’ve adapted. After the war, they’re left with threats, and the regime’s survival hinges on them.”
Indeed, the Iranian public appears largely unmoved by the drill, aware of the military’s limitations. Observers also noted the conspicuous absence of Supreme Leader Khamenei from public events during the exercise and related defense showcases. “The leader would appear on such days. They’d bring him samples. Due to age, he wouldn’t go physically, but they’d bring equipment for exhibits. Now he skips showcases, stays hidden, still in a bunker. Khomeini didn’t hide in the ’80s. There are threats—but where’s the leader?” Sabti questioned.
The exercise also comes against a backdrop of mounting international pressure. Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has been monitoring its nuclear sites as Tehran continues to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—the remaining European parties to the nuclear deal—have warned that if Iran does not reach a “satisfactory solution” with the IAEA by August 31, they will trigger a “snapback” reimposition of all United Nations sanctions previously lifted by the accord. Iran’s economy, already battered by American sanctions since 2018, could face further hardship should renewed U.N. sanctions take effect.
Despite four decades of international pressure, Iran’s Defense Ministry remains defiant. In a statement, the ministry said, “Iran’s enemies understand that any adventure or miscalculation will meet a firm response. Despite four decades of sanctions, the nation’s defense industry has become a symbol of growth, excellence and prosperity, advancing from reliance on foreigners to independence and authority, making Iran a pillar of power and deterrence in the region.”
As the dust settles from the latest round of drills, one thing is certain: Iran’s leadership is determined to project strength, even as it faces internal skepticism, regional threats, and looming international sanctions. Whether these displays will translate into real deterrence or merely serve as a show for domestic and foreign audiences remains to be seen. But for now, the world is watching—closely.