Iran War Games Coincide With Nimitz Arrival Carrier Sent To The Persian Gulf After Warplanes Violate No-Fly Zone

Iran’s navy launched major maneuvers in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, days before the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is scheduled to arrive in the Gulf.

Iran’s war games are meant to “display Iran’s capability and increasing strength … in the face of the onslaught of foreigners,” Iranian television said.

The region has been tense since Sept. 29, when Iranian warplanes bombed two Iranian insurgent bases in southern Iraq, violating the “no-fly zone” created by the United States and its allies.

The United States reacted to the air raids by ordering the Nimitz to the Gulf. Washington warned Iran and Iraq that further no-fly zone violations would trigger retaliation.

U.S. Navy officials say the Nimitz battle group of warships should arrive in the Gulf within days, when Iran’s 10-day war games will be well under way.

Iranian television showed battleships, helicopters and submarines moving into place for the exercises, which will cover 15,000 square miles.

More than 50 warships, including two Russian-built submarines, and scores of planes and helicopters will take part in the exercises.

Three brigades of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Iran’s main fighting force, a marine battalion and an airborne company also will participate, IRNA said.

Asked about the possibility of a conflict with the United States, Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said Tuesday: “We don’t see any reason for friction.

“But we cannot speak about the belligerence of the other side.”