TEHRAN -- The naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Friday launched extensive exercises spanning the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan.
Codenamed “Great Prophet Authority 19”, the drills went underway across the northern and central part of the strategic Persian Gulf waters in the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC Navy’s commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in attendance.
The aim of the exercises, he said, is to “convey the message of peace and friendship” to neighboring countries and establish security in international waterways.
“Another message of the drills for extra-regional countries to know that their presence in the region disrupts security and they cannot establish lasting security in this sensitive area,” Tangsiri said.
“We are capable of ensuring the security of the sensitive Persian Gulf region alongside our neighboring countries and will stand firm against any threat,” he said. 
“The hostile countries and enemies of the noble Iranian nation should know that we will stand up to their bullying with strength and courage, and we will foil their sinister plans with a strong fist,” he added.
Tangsirir said new technologies would be unveiled during the drills.
“Every year, new vessels and technologies are incorporated into the exercise, and this year, we are deploying vessels that are capable of sailing at speeds of 75 and 90 knots (nautical miles) as well as firing missiles and mines.”
A notice from the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said Friday a warning had been out to seafarers in the Persian Gulf on Friday.
“It is assessed that these are most likely part of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ large-scale exercise, Great Prophet XVIII,” UKMTO said.
Earlier, the UKMTO reported an incident involving a vessel which was approached by