Iran Unveils Advanced Reconnaissance Ship During Military Drills

Iran's new spy ship "Zargos," unveiled during its military exercises. (Credit: IRNA)

Iran’s armed forces have introduced an advanced reconnaissance ship, named Zagros, as part of nationwide military drills aimed at protecting key nuclear facilities, state media reported on Wednesday.

Described as the country’s first intelligence ship, the Iranian-made Zagros is equipped with electronic sensors, interceptor missiles, and cyber-intelligence capabilities. Navy commander Admiral Shahram Irani hailed the vessel as “the watchful eye of the Iranian navy in the depths of the seas and oceans.”

Focus on Nuclear Site Protection

The unveiling of the Zagros coincides with extensive military drills by Iran’s army and Revolutionary Guards, which are scheduled to run until mid-March. These exercises focus on safeguarding critical nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Khondab, which remain under close international scrutiny.

Tensions with the U.S.

The drills come just days before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has historically adopted a hardline stance on Iran. During his first term (2017–2021), Trump reimposed severe sanctions on Tehran as part of a “maximum pressure” campaign, a policy that the Biden administration largely upheld.

Meanwhile, the American news outlet Axios reported that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently presented President Joe Biden with options for a possible U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, should Tehran move closer to developing a nuclear weapon.

Iran’s Position

Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, focusing on civilian energy purposes, and denies seeking nuclear weapons. However, Western countries remain skeptical, citing concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and ballistic missile development.

The introduction of the Zagros and the ongoing military drills signal Iran’s intent to fortify its defenses amidst escalating tensions with the West over its nuclear ambitions.