February 16, 2026 | 09:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began on Monday a navy exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state media reported.
The intensive drills, named "Smart Control of Hormuz Strait," were being conducted by the IRGC naval forces and under the supervision of the head of the IRGC, state TV reported.
The drill aimed at testing the readiness of operational forces in the face of "possible security and military threats," the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.
Why Is the Timing of the Drills Significant?
The exercise comes amid growing tensions with the US, both over Iran's nuclear program and its deadly response to anti-regime protests last month.
Talks between Washington and Tehran over the latter's nuclear program have recently resumed, after previous talks collapsed when Israel launched strikes on Iran in June 2025, starting a 12-day war, which also saw US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
A fresh round of talks is due in Geneva on Tuesday, to be mediated by Oman.
They come after US President Donald Trump announced plans to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East late last week, as he continues to threaten to strike Iran.
Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Significant?
Iranian hardliners have threatened to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Washington rose.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway that lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) describes it as the "world's most important oil transit chokepoint."
Large volumes of crude extracted by OPEC countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq from oil fields across the Persian Gulf region and consumed globally flow through the strait.
Read: Under-Pressure Iran Marks Islamic Revolution Anniversary
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Will Not Execute Iranian Death Row Inmates, Says Minister
3 hari lalu
Indonesia is not moving to execute 12 Iranian death row inmates. Indonesia is open to repatriating the foreign convicts.
Trump, Netanyahu End Meeting Without Iran Agreement
4 hari lalu
Israeli PM Netanyahu hopes any nuclear deal will not just focus on curbing Iran's nuclear potential but also its ballistic missile program.
Trump Ramps Up Pressure on Iran, Eyes More US Carriers in Middle East
5 hari lalu
President Trump continues to threaten Iran and has indicated plans to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid escalating tensions.
Under-Pressure Iran Marks Islamic Revolution Anniversary
5 hari lalu
Iran marks the 1979 Islamic Revolution anniversary amid growing pressure after a deadly protest crackdown further eroded public trust.
Iran Says US Not Fit to Lead Gaza Board of Peace
5 hari lalu
Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia has stated that the U.S. is not qualified to lead the Gaza Board of Peace.
Hector Souto Laments Indonesia's Loss in 2026 Asian Futsal Cup Final
5 hari lalu
Coach Hector Souto reflects on Indonesia's dramatic penalty shootout loss to Iran in the 2026 Asian Futsal Cup final.
Israeli Journalist Removed From Netanyahu's Flight to the US
5 hari lalu
Netanyahu was scheduled to arrive in Washington on Tuesday evening ahead of a crucial meeting with Trump on the Iran nuclear negotiations.
Israel: Netanyahu Heads to US as Iran Negotiations Loom
6 hari lalu
The Israeli leader will meet US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, with Washington's negotiations with Iran taking center stage.
Trump Pushes for Diplomatic Settlement with Iran, Says US Defense Secretary
6 hari lalu
Some Israeli officials believe that the US needs to attack Iran to prevent the advancement of Iran's nuclear program.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Falls to Iran in Dramatic 2026 AFC Futsal Championship Final
8 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
