Iranian military forces are in the midst of large-scale drills aimed at bolstering their readiness against potential threats. The exercises, which began earlier this week and are set to continue nationwide until mid-March, are framed by Tehran as a response to evolving security challenges, according to Iranian state media and official statements.

The drills, named Eqtedar (Farsi for “might”), include air defense operations near the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility and preparations involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its paramilitary Basij forces. 

⚡️Iran has released images of recent air defense exercises near the Natanz nuclear facility

The Loitering SAM “358” missile that shot down dozens of US MQ-9 Reaper drones in Yemen can be seen pic.twitter.com/Dc10LB8AOF

— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) January 8, 2025

According to state TV, the exercises simulate “all-out point defense” against a range of air threats under electronic warfare conditions.

Brigadier General Mohammad-Nazar Azimi, a senior IRGC commander, said the drills showcase “new weapons and equipment.” The exercises are being conducted in multiple phases, with one focusing on defending key infrastructure like nuclear sites, while another involving 110,000 Basij paramilitary forces will test responses to potential uprisings in Tehran.

Iranian officials have described the drills as a reaction to “man-made threats.” The exercises follow a period of heightened tensions, including Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets in October, which reportedly degraded Iran’s missile and air defense capabilities.

The IRGC and its Basij units are also focusing on quelling potential domestic uprisings, a concern Tehran faces amid recent waves of anti-government protests. 

The Basij have been widely deployed in prior crackdowns, including during the 2019 and 2022 demonstrations, where they were accused of using excessive force.