Iran to hold major naval drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian commander says Iran's Navy will fire various long and short-range land-to-sea missiles, built by its experts, in the power phase of major naval drills in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Press TV reports.

Deputy Commander of Iran's Navy, Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi told reporters on Friday that the country's naval units will also fire different surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles during the power phase of Velayat 90 exercises, starting on Saturday.

He added that Iran's submarines will hit pre-determined targets, using domestically-manufactured torpedoes.

Mousavi, also the spokesman for Velayat 90 drills, noted that naval forces will also fire shoulder-launched missiles and hit mock targets of the enemy.

The tactical phase of the naval maneuver commenced on Tuesday after the first stage of the exercise ended successfully.

Iran maintains that the drills are defensive in nature and intended to convey a message of peace and friendship to the countries in the region.