The Revolutionary Guard begins maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the Geneva talks
In a move with significant military and political implications, Iran's Revolutionary Guard large-scale military exercises on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz . The announcement, made via Iranian state television, coincided with intensive diplomatic preparations for a new round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva, mediated by Oman.
Details of the maneuvers and military messages
Official sources stated that these exercises, for which no end date has been set, are primarily aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of the Revolutionary Guard forces to confront what they described as "potential security and military threats." These movements come as a direct response to the military reinforcements deployed by the United States to the region, which included a significant naval buildup.
In a related context, Revolutionary Guard Navy commander Mohammad Akbarzadeh stated that Iranian forces are imposing full intelligence surveillance on all foreign ships present in the region, stressing that these naval vessels fall within the scope of Iranian defense and missile capabilities, reflecting a strongly worded warning message to international parties.
The geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz
This event cannot be understood in isolation from the paramount strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, the main artery of global energy supplies. Approximately 20% of the world's total oil consumption and about a third of seaborne oil pass through this narrow waterway. Iranian officials have long brandished the threat of closing the strait as a strategic option should Tehran face any existential threat or be prevented from exporting its oil. This makes any tension in this geographical juncture a direct cause of rising global energy prices and a source of anxiety in international markets.
Diplomatic track amid escalation
These maneuvers take on a political dimension as they precede the second round of talks in Switzerland. US President Donald Trump, through his "maximum pressure" policy of military buildup and sanctions, seeks to bring Tehran to the negotiating table to reach a new agreement. In contrast, Iran is pursuing a strategy of "negotiating under fire," using military exercises as leverage to strengthen its negotiating position, emphasizing that it will not negotiate from a position of weakness and that its military capabilities are ready to respond swiftly to any potential scenario.
