Iran's navy concludes a six-day naval drill near the Strait of Hormuz

             
Naval commanders have made regular appearances on Iranian television since Friday, saying the drill would show how the Islamic regime could defend its territory.               

Two anti-ship cruise missiles -- the coast-to-sea Qader and surface-to-surface Nour missiles -- were tested on (January 1), Iran's Press TV said.          

The country also unveiled a home-made combat helicopter the last day of the exercise.                          

Press TV quoted the defense minister as saying the helicopter, noted for its high-precision targeting, would dramatically boost the firepower of the country's armed forces.                    

Iran holds military exercises several times a year and regularly unveils advances in domestically-produced military hardware.                               

Defense analysts say Iran often exaggerates its military strength. 

Israel has repeatedly threatened to launch strikes against Iran's nuclear program which many in the West fear is aimed at developing an atomic weapons capability.                             

Iran says it is only interested in generating electricity and other peaceful projects.                     

Over the last year, commanders of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz if their country comes under                                   
The United States responded by saying it would not tolerate any obstruction of commercial traffic through the Strait, which carries more than a third of the world's sea-borne oil traffic.                   

Washington maintains a sizeable military presence in the region.


REUTERS