# naval exercises

Teeth on the Map: IRGC Naval Drills in the Strait of Hormuz Raise Stakes for Global Shipping

Iran’s IRGC conducted the main phase of naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on 17 February 2026, with commanders asserting the ability to close the waterway quickly if required. The move underscores a persistent vulnerability for global energy shipments and raises the prospect of heightened naval deployments, insurance costs, and diplomatic friction.