Iran Expands Military Drills, Unveils Underground Missile Facility
The Facts
Iran's army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched new military exercises covering nuclear facilities in Fordo and Khondab on Sunday as part of drills dubbed "Eqtedar."
The nationwide war games — set to continue until mid-March — were launched earlier this month, with the "Great Prophet 19" exercise simulating an aerial assault on the Natanz nuclear facility marking the first phase.
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
Iran is sending a clear message to its enemies — the country is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty even if a hybrid, information-based war is launched against it. America and its proxies must know by now that no provocation against Iran will be left unanswered.
Anti-Iran narrative
Given that Iran faces mounting economic pressure at home and diplomatic and military pressure abroad — even as a second Trump administration is yet to kick off — it's an odd time for the regime to commit to a show of strength. Iran must realize that it cannot really afford to further escalate tensions, especially in the face of a unified Western bloc.
