Iran also conducted its first large-scale naval maneuver since the war with Israel in June 2025, called Sustainable Power 1404. The two days exercise was conducted in the Gulf of Oman and the northern part of the Indian Ocean, which involved the launches of the missiles at the targets located at the sea. The drill was carried out to enhance battle preparedness, reaffirm command cooperation and present deterrence following a series of confrontations. IRIS Ganaveh and vessel IRIS Sabalan fired Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles with precision strike capability. The drill is indicative of the willingness of Iran to reestablish its war image and tanks on the waters of the region.
Context
-
The exercise is the culmination of the 12-day war in June 2025 in which Israel had launched an attack against Iranian air defences and nuclear facilities, prompting Iranian responses using its missiles.
-
It is coming at a time of regional tensions and Israeli military practice of Iranian nuclear site raids.
-
Iran wants to demonstrate that it is resolute, threatening, and powerful in vital maritime routes.
Key Points
Exercise Highlights
-
Name: Sustainable Power 1404
-
Time required: 2 days (August 2025)
-
Jurisdiction: Gulf of Oman / Northern Indian Ocean
-
Asset Utilized: Surface and under-the-sea war vessels, air forces, and missile defence systems, electronic warfare groups
-
Tests of New Missiles: Nasir & Qadir cruise missiles of IRIS Sabalan & IRIS Ganaveh
Objectives
-
Enhance combative-readiness and the coordination of joint commands
-
Strengthen capacities to Unilateral coercion against the neighboring adversaries
-
Demonstrate the capability to attack across a long range accurately and call on the power of integrated warfare
Geopolitical Implications
-
A countermeasure reaction to Israeli rehearsals that are aimed at the nuclear installations of Iran
-
It sends a message to Iran that it is willing to retaliate, and is ready to exercise its power in regional waters
-
Wants to retain clout in Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean, important sea-lines of communication
Conclusion
Sustainable Power 1404 is the reflection of the will of Iran to overcome the conflict and assert the naval presence in the region as soon as possible. The drill embodies both military preparedness and threat of strategic deterrence as the tension of Israel is on the rise. Its magnitude and the extent demonstrates the intentions of Tehran to be an outspoken maritime power in West Asia.
