Iran missile exercises in Strait of Hormuz
January 12, 2012 12:02 pm | Filed Under: Departments
Iran’s recent missil exercises, has caused a great upproar in many countries. The exercises conducted have blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage to the transport of oil. These recent actions are seen as a bad signal to the interntional community. (Image Credit: Altavista)

Iran test fired two missiles Iran test fired two missiles on Mon., Jan. 2, the final day of its naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran is progressing day-by-day, and soon they will be a prominent nuclear power,” said Nimit Desai, 10.

The Qader missile, a long range sea-to-shore missile, was fired during the "power" stage of the maneuvers, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. The test was successful, and the missile hit its intended targets, according to the report.

A surface-to-surface Nour missile was also successfully tested.

Iran began the exercises in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman on December 24th. Western diplomats have described the maneuvers as further evidence of Iran's volatile behavior.

“First Iran claimed to have captured a U.S. drone, and now they are practicing in a very important area that can effect several countries. It is just one act after another,” said Brennon Shanks, 9.

Iran also successfully test-fired a medium-range, surface-to-air and radar-evading Mehrab missile on Sunday, Jan. 1st, according to Fars news agency. A submarine also successfully fired torpedoes at mock vessels, according to the report.

Nations have commented that this is a very bad signal to the international community.

The naval exercises focused attention on the strait, a shipping channel leading in and out of the Persian Gulf between Iran on one coast and Oman and the United Arab Emirates on the other. It is strategically important because tankers carrying oil travel through it.

A large number of the long-range surface-to-sea Ghader missiles have already been delivered to the Iranian Armed Forces.

Iran threatened to close the strait over planned sanctions targeting its oil industry and companies that do business with Iran's Central Bank. The sanctions are intended to force Iran to abridge its nuclear program.

Several countries have emphasized the need for the freedom of navigation in the strait.

“I understand that that the strait is very critical to the oil industry. If that rite of passage is blocked, it can have a global effect on several economies,” said Daniel Henderson, 9.