Iran denies reports of military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has denied reports of planned military exercises by the Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz, which have been published by several media outlets in recent days. An unnamed Iranian official told Reuters that the Guard's naval forces had no intention of conducting live-fire exercises and that there had been no official announcement to that effect.

He was responding to a report by state television Press TV that the maneuvers were to take place in early February. Tehran has described these reports as incorrect and misleading.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most sensitive strategic points in the world, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies pass.

Any reports of military activity in this area therefore usually cause tension on financial markets and fears of a deterioration in the security situation in the region.

Iran's denial is intended to calm the situation and emphasize that it does not currently plan to escalate its military presence in the strait.

(reuters, mja)