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Iran naval drills

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Navy has emphasized that the IRGC naval forces have 24-hour intelligence control over the Strait of Hormuz. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said the IRGC’s control over the strategic strait is complete both on the surface of the sea and under it. Tangsiri’s remarks came as Iran’s IRGC is conducting the first phase of naval drills in the Persian Gulf, exercising smart control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to the IRGC, the objective of the drills is to practice counter-strikes against possible security and military threats in the region. Tangsiri said Iran's main goal is to ensure the security of navigation through the strait, because the economies of regional countries and many countries beyond the region are tied to the security of this important waterway and strait. The senior commander noted that the Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are impenetrable fortresses, which are the symbol of the honor of the Iranian nation. Tangsiri said the IRGC conducts routine drills every year to exercise the preparedness of its forces for ensuring the security of this strategic region.

Terrorist attacks in Iran

The Iranian nation is to hold countrywide ceremonies to commemorate the martyrs of last month’s foreign-backed terrorist attacks. The Coordination Council for the Islamic Propagation said in a statement that the ceremonies will be held on Tuesday to commemorate the martyrs of the American-Zionist terror attacks. The council said the terror attacks, which followed legitimate protests by Iranian civilians, were launched by Takfiri and terrorist elements, and targeted the psychological security of society in a hybrid war. However, the council added, the Iranian people’s awareness foiled the enemies’ threats. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces have also called on Iranians from all walks of life to take part in the nationwide ceremonies. The January terror attacks, which continued for several days, followed peaceful protests in Iranian bazaars and markets, where traders called for government action to halt the devaluation of the Iranian currency. The violence resulted in extensive damage to public and private property, with widespread destruction of shops, government institutions, and public service facilities, while claiming the lives of thousands of security forces and ordinary people.

Gaza humanitarian crisis

An international charity organization says it has not been able to deliver any aid or humanitarian supplies to Gaza since the beginning of this year, despite the ceasefire agreement. Doctors Without Borders cited Israel’s restrictions on the entry of aid as the main reason for its inability to help the Palestinians in the territory. The organization stressed that the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation continues in Gaza, where humanitarian needs are “enormous.” MSF said the people of Gaza need a significant increase in the humanitarian response. It added that harsh winter conditions have exacerbated chronic health problems among Palestinians in Gaza. According to the MSF, there has been a steep rise in infectious diseases at a time when more than 18-thousand people, including four-thousand children, are awaiting medical evacuation. The organization stated that despite the ceasefire, people are still being killed in Gaza, while the goal of the agreement was to bring in more humanitarian aid.

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