Iran launches ground forces drill, fourth in snap military exercises

State media report that commando units and airborne infantry were taking part in a new exercise launched on Tuesday along the Gulf of Oman coast, backed by fighter jets, helicopters and military support aircraft. It is overseen by Iran’s National Army chief Abdolrahim Mousavi. Since last Wednesday, Iran’s army, warships, long-distance missiles and combat drones have conducted a series of exercises amid high tension with Washington. They were timed to apply pressure during the tense transition period between US presidents and demonstrate that Iran held US interests and regional allies within range of attack. The Trump administration marked its final days by sending B-52 bombers over the region as well as  the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and a nuclear submarine.