Iran's Guard holds ballistic missile drill amid tensions

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard forces on Friday held a military exercise involving ballistic missiles and drones in the country's central desert, state TV reported.

The exercise comes amid heightened tensions over Tehran's nuclear program and a U.S. pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

In the first phase of the drill Friday morning, the Guard's aerospace division launched several surface-to-surface ballistic missiles against simulated enemy bases, state TV reported.

It said the drill included Zolfaghar and Dezful solid-fuel ballistic missiles.

Bomb-carrying drones were also deployed.

In recent weeks, Iran has increased its military drills.

On Wednesday, Iran's navy held a two-day short-range missile drill in the Gulf of Oman.

On Saturday, the Revolutionary Guard held a naval parade in the Persian Gulf.

A week earlier, Iran held a massive drone maneuver across half the country.

Tensions are again rising in the waning days of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, as Iran ramps up pressure on the West over the U.S. sanctions campaign against the Islamic Republic.

(Image Credit: AP)