Iran has commenced large-scale missile drills, codenamed “Sustainable Power 1404,” in a forceful demonstration of deterrence amid escalating regional tensions.

Rear Admiral Abbas Hosseini, spokesperson for the exercises, said the two-day operations cover the northern Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman, integrating surface and subsurface vessels, aerial units, missile platforms, and electronic warfare divisions.

The maneuvers feature live missile launches, advanced drone operations, and complex electronic warfare scenarios, reflecting combat experience gained in recent years.

Iran's defense minister warns of Tehran's yet unseen missiles 

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh confirmed on Wednesday that Tehran possesses advanced missile systems with capabilities far superior to those deployed in its recent response to US-"Israel" aggression.

Nasirzadeh explained that the missiles used in the earlier confrontation were produced years ago, while Iran’s defense industries have since developed newer and more effective generations, stressing that Iran will employ these advanced systems if the enemy undertakes any reckless actions.

He also emphasized that the latest confrontation was not solely with the Israeli entity, but also with US forces that provided direct logistical and intelligence support.

Highlighting Iran’s growing defense industry, Nasirzadeh noted that the country has made significant progress in upgrading its missile arsenal, ensuring readiness against any potential threats.

'Not in ceasefire'

In a related statement, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, advisor to the Iranian leader for military affairs, predicted the possibility of a new war, underscoring that Iran is not in a state of ceasefire but rather in a phase of "war".

"There is no protocol or agreement written between us and the Israelis, nor between us and the Americans," Safavi said, warning that any ceasefire could collapse at any moment.

The Pentagon recently announced plans to spend over $3.5 billion to replenish military inventories and sustain operations in West Asia, following "Israel's" recurrent operations, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, adding that budget documents prepared through mid-May detail the costs associated with heightened military activity in the region, primarily stemming from the April 2024 Iranian retaliatory missile strike and its aftermath.

Labeled as "emergency budget requests," the allocations cover both advanced weaponry and routine logistical needs. These include replenishing interceptors, maintaining radar systems, refurbishing naval vessels, and transporting munitions.

The report details that a significant portion of the emergency funds is earmarked for restocking missile interceptors used during Iran's retaliatory Operation True Promise 1, including at least $1 billion directed toward RTX Corp.’s Standard Missile series, especially the advanced "SM-3 IB Threat Upgrade" variant.