The IRGC confirmed that it had carried out naval drills, saying that "the exercise was conducted with the aim of controlling and safeguarding the international waterway, within the framework of the IRGC's annual calendar exercises program". The IRGC's commander further "emphasised the need to maintain and enhance all-faceted defence readiness in order to secure the strategic waterway of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to proportionately counter potential threats and adventurism by the enemies".