Iran training troops in Gulf of Oman and on Indian Ocean

Iran is holding large-scale naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, the Associated Press writes, referring to Iranian media.

The exercises are taking place for the first time since the 12-day conflict with Israel. The main phase, dubbed “Sustainable Power 1404″, began on Aug. 21. From the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, various naval cruise missiles, including the Nasir and Qadir, were fired at maritime targets from naval vessels.

The exercises involve surface and submarine ships, aviation units, coastal missile bases, and electronic warfare units. This marks Iran’s first major drill since the conflict with Israel.

While such drills are routine in the Islamic Republic, the “Sustainable Power 1404″ exercise comes as authorities in Iran are trying to project strength in the wake of a war that saw Israel destroy air defense systems and bomb nuclear facilities and other sites.