Iran's naval wargames: Strait of Hormuz turns volatile as IRGC challenges American warships head-on

Iran has staged a major naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz, just 24 hours after the GCC–Italy summit backed the UAE’s claim over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Tehran has fiercely rejected Abu Dhabi’s stance, and this drill appears to be a direct geopolitical message. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical choke points for oil and natural gas, falls under Iran’s tight control, and Tehran has repeatedly warned that it could restrict traffic during regional tensions, including its recent conflict with Israel.