Iran begins massive naval drill test firing more than 20 new missiles

Iran has begun a major three-day naval drill in Persian Gulf in which more than 20 new missiles will be test fired.

The war games, dubbed Great Prophet 9, kicked off today, with the mock sinking of US Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz.

Four "Nasr" cruise missiles targeted a real-size model of the warship with a length of more than 333 metres. Several other ballistic missiles and assault speed-boats have also taken part in the operation.

Real Admiral Ali Fadavi, the Navy Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), has said more than 20 missiles including underwater drones will be unveiled during the exercises. Ground-to-sea and ground-to-ground ballistic missiles are also being tested.

"The military drills and the military might of Iran sends out the message of peace and friendship to the outside world especially the neighbouring regional countries and also the rest of the world; however, at the same time, it is a crushing response to those who want to become invaders or to violate rights and the territorial integrity of other countries," an unnamed senior Iranian army official was cited as saying by the quasi-official Mehr news agency.

The war games, billed as one of the biggest by Iran, are being conducted to test and enhance Tehran's defence capabilities especially in the strategically-important Persian Gulf region.

The Strait of Hormuz narrow waterway links the Persian Gulf with the Sea of Oman.