Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have launched a significant naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling Tehran’s determination to assert control over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Overseen by General Mohammad Pakpour, the drill—dubbed "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz"—features coordinated missile strikes, speedboat maneuvers, and other tactical operations, all designed to rehearse responses to potential military threats. State media highlighted the exercise as a demonstration of Iran’s readiness to protect its strategic interests amid escalating regional tensions.

During the February 16, 2026, drill, an Iranian missile strike successfully sank a target vessel, with official footage confirming the operation. The timing of the exercise is notable, occurring just before upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, and coincides with heightened military posturing in the Gulf following recent proxy conflicts between Iran and Israel. Iranian authorities have indicated that the drill also serves as a deterrent to external powers, and observers note that the warning could extend to China, given that roughly 45% of Beijing’s oil imports transit the strait, according to Energy Information Administration data. Tehran’s positioning underscores the economic leverage Iran can exert over key global energy flows, even as it faces Western diplomatic pressure.

The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 21% of global oil trade, making control over the waterway a strategic imperative for Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards’ naval exercises are therefore a routine, yet highly visible, signal of Iran’s capabilities to both domestic and international audiences. The drills are intended to enhance coordination across missile units, small-boat squadrons, and command structures, while simulating scenarios in which the strait could be threatened by hostile forces. Analysts note that these operations serve multiple purposes: reinforcing Iran’s deterrence posture, demonstrating operational competence, and signaling readiness to act decisively if challenged.

International observers, including outlets like the Jerusalem Post, DW, and IRNA, have closely monitored the exercise, emphasizing its implications for regional security. The missile strike that sank a target vessel highlights Tehran’s precision strike capabilities and its ability to integrate multiple naval assets into coordinated operations. While Iran frames the exercise as defensive, the timing and scale also send a clear geopolitical message, particularly ahead of sensitive diplomatic negotiations.

With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks on the horizon in Geneva, the Revolutionary Guards’ show of force reinforces Tehran’s negotiating position, demonstrating that it retains leverage over critical maritime routes and can project power across the Persian Gulf. For global energy markets, allies in the Middle East, and major powers like China, the exercises serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s willingness to defend it vigorously. Observers anticipate continued military signaling as both sides prepare for diplomacy, underscoring the delicate balance between negotiation and confrontation in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.