The commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces says Iran will hold two military drills in the central and southeastern parts of the country in the first six months of the current Persian calendar (started March 20).

Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan said on Monday that the first drill of the Ground Forces, which is codenamed Bait-ul-Muqaddas 25, will begin on May 24 near the city of Isfahan.

Pourdastan added that artillery, armored and air force units will participate in the week-long maneuver.

The Iranian commander said the Ground Forces have planned to hold eight drills this year, adding that the second military drill will be held in the second quarter of the year in the southeastern parts of Iran.

Over the past few years, Iran has held several military exercises to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

In March, the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces launched a three-day drill, codenamed Khatam al-Anbia, in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, during which new indigenous missiles were test-fired.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.