It was reported on Sunday that Iran tested a new naval air defense missile during military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States continues to enhance its military presence in the area.
According to Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy made the first launch of the Sayyad 3-G missile during the “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz” exercise.
The Sayyad 3-G, a naval variant of Iran’s land-based Sayyad-3 air defense system, is said to have a range of approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) and can be fired from .
This missile is intended to intercept military aircraft, maritime patrol planes, and high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles.
Iranian state media stated that it can integrate with a ship’s onboard radar systems and command-control network while maintaining independent tracking capability.
This announcement comes as tensions escalate and the U.S. continues to build up its military in the Gulf, with Washington negotiating with Tehran over its nuclear program.
The U.S. currently has a substantial buildup of naval and air assets deployed around Iran, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf.
The U.S. has been reinforcing its forces in the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and multiple guided-missile destroyers operating in the Arabian Sea, as well as additional destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Several combat ships are also positioned in the Persian Gulf near Iran’s southern coastline.
At least one airbase in Saudi Arabia is seen hosting aircraft, with additional installations across the region supporting air operations and logistics.
On CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that diplomacy is the only way forward and downplayed the impact of the U.S. military buildup.
“There is no need for any military buildup, and military buildup cannot help and cannot pressurize us,” he said.
Araghchi confirmed that Iranian and U.S. negotiators are scheduled to meet again in Geneva on Thursday, saying he believes it is “quite possible” to prepare a draft text and reach a deal quickly.
He added that the talks are solely focused on and “there are no other subjects.”