TEHRAN: Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have launched a series of military drills in the western province of Kermanshah, close to the border with Iraq, with the exercises scheduled to continue until Tuesday, official news agency IRNA reported on Sunday. The drills, which began on Friday, are intended to “enhance combat readiness and vigilance”.
The military exercises are taking place amid heightened regional tensions following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior leader of Hamas, on July 31 in Tehran. Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
The killing has further escalated the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, raising concerns that the conflict could spread throughout the Middle East.
The drills are seen as part of Iran’s broader response to the assassination and its pledge to retaliate against Israel. Revolutionary Guards Deputy Commander Ali Fadavi stated on Friday that the Iranian Supreme Leader’s directives concerning retribution for Haniyeh’s death are clear and would be carried out with the utmost diligence.
“The orders from our Supreme Leader regarding the punishment of Israel and retaliation for the killing of Haniyeh are explicit and will be implemented in the most effective manner,” Fadavi said, as reported by Iranian media.
