Iran is preparing with drills (to open fire) in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Tehran and the United States have increased significantly.
According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' naval forces will conduct "training starting next week."
The rise in tensions comes after warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened Iran that a future attack could be "much more severe" than the three attacks last summer.
"I hope Iran comes to the table soon and negotiates a fair deal, without nuclear weapons! A good deal for all parties. Time is running out, it's a matter of essence!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He adds:
"As I've told Iran before, make a deal! They didn't, and Operation Midnight Hammer happened, a major blow to Iran. The next attack will be much more severe! Don't do this again!"
Tehran's response was not long in coming.
Iran's mission to the United Nations warned of a "reaction like never before" after Trump's threat. In a post on "X", it was written that "the last time the US mistakenly entered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it spent over 7 trillion dollars."
The Iranian mission also emphasized:
"Iran is ready for dialogue based on respect and mutual interests, BUT IF CHALLENGED, WE WILL DEFEND OURSELVES AND REACT LIKE NEVER BEFORE!"
The latest tensions also come after a wave of protests in Iran that began in late December over the collapse of the local currency.
According to an activist group, over 6,000 people have been killed in the crackdown on the protests, while foreign media reports an even higher toll. The Iranian government has responded with a brutal crackdown and a two-week internet shutdown, making the political and social situation in the country extremely tense.