Iran partially closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz for several hours this Tuesday amid naval exercises by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the area, the local agency Fars reported.

According to the report, the measure was taken to guarantee compliance with safety regulations for navigation in the strait.

At the same time, IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri warned that Iranian troops are ready to completely close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary and upon receiving the order from the country's leadership. For its part, the Iranian Navy declared that any vessel violating maritime regulations in the strait will be intercepted.

Naval Exercises

The drills, named "Intelligent Control of the Strait of Hormuz," focus on the naval forces of the IRGC and are being conducted under the supervision, control, and field monitoring of the organization's commander, Mohammad Pakpour.

The exercises aim to test the operational readiness of the IRGC Navy to launch a reciprocal response to "potential military and security threats," as well as to learn how to make intelligent use of Iran's geopolitical advantages in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.