Iran tests missiles in naval exercises

Iran's navy has test-fired the latest versions of the Nasr and Dehlaviyeh missiles during military exercises in the Gulf, local media reported on Monday.

"The latest naval cruise missile called Nasr was test-fired during Velayat 95 naval manoeuvres in the southern waters of the country," said Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan, according to the Fars news agency, adding that the missile had successfully hit its target.

Tasnim news agency said the Dehlaviyeh, a laser-guided missile, had also been successfully tested.

It was reported back in 2012 that Iran had based the Dehlaviyeh on a Russian anti-tank missile.

The naval drills began on Sunday across the Strait of Hormuz, Sea of Oman, and the northern part of the Indian Ocean. They mark the final phase of the maneuvers, codenamed Velayat 95, which started earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Navy commandos and strategic Special Operations Brigade practiced military operations aimed at defending territorial waters and the country's southern coastline.

The forces used domestically-built Ra'ad boats, mounted with SPG-9 73-millimeter caliber guns, and Azarakhsh boats, fitted with 122-millimeter caliber rocket launchers.Also assessed in the drills was the "telemedicine" medical assistance provision system, which enables remote medical diagnosis.

Announcing the beginning of the maneuvers, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said, "The aim of the Velayat 95 drill is to upgrade the country's defensive capabilities and send Iran's message of peace and friendship to the regional countries."

The Islamic Republic has invariably asserted that its military prowess is in the service of its defense, countering full-on foreign state-sponsored propaganda campaigns targeting such maneuvers.

The ranges of the latest versions were not given.