TEHRAN: Amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations following the collapse of the Iran nuclear agreement under former U.S. President Donald Trump, Tehran has intensified its military drills, extending operations to encompass two additional nuclear facilities in central and western Iran.
These drills, referred to as Eqtedar—meaning “might” in Farsi—commenced earlier this month and are scheduled to continue through mid-March. The exercises, orchestrated by both the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are seen as a clear demonstration of Tehran’s defensive and offensive readiness. The IRGC, regarded as the ideological vanguard of Iran’s military forces, announced the inclusion of the Fordow and Khondab nuclear facilities, which join the previously highlighted Natanz enrichment site, as focal points of the operation.
Iranian state television reported that the drills feature advanced military units, including missile and radar systems, electronic warfare components, and reconnaissance teams. These units are tasked with simulating “offensive and defensive missions,” signaling Tehran’s capability to safeguard its nuclear infrastructure.
This military mobilization occurs as international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program intensifies, particularly in light of recent diplomatic impasses. Talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have struggled to gain traction following Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement during his presidency. The U.S. administration’s decision was accompanied by severe sanctions and the controversial killing of IRGC General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, which further exacerbated hostilities.
On January 13, Iran is set to engage in nuclear talks with France, Britain, and Germany in Switzerland. These discussions are widely regarded as a litmus test for the European powers’ ability to mediate and de-escalate the situation. However, skepticism remains high. Recent reports from the U.S.-based outlet Axios suggested that options for a potential U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities had been discussed at the highest levels, prompting strong condemnation from Iranian officials.
Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, denounced such threats as a blatant “violation of international law,” underscoring Tehran’s assertion that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. “Our advancements in nuclear technology are not a path toward weaponization but rather an exercise of our sovereign right to pursue energy independence and scientific progress,” Baqaei stated in a press briefing.
The backdrop of these developments includes a growing rift between Iran and the West. Iran has taken steps to advance uranium enrichment beyond JCPOA limits, citing non-compliance from other signatories. Meanwhile, Western leaders express concern that Tehran’s actions could signify a strategic pivot toward weapons-grade capabilities—an allegation Iran steadfastly denies.
As the standoff deepens, experts caution that heightened militarization and stalled diplomacy could lead to unintended escalation. With mid-March set as the tentative conclusion of the Eqtedar drills, regional and global stakeholders remain watchful, hoping for renewed dialogue and a pathway to avert conflict.
Iran’s position, however, remains resolute. Its leadership has signaled that any unilateral aggression or threats from Western nations will meet with a “decisive and overwhelming response,” further illustrating the precarious state of international relations in the region.
