Tehran, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has commenced the primary phase of a "combined, intense and targeted" military exercise in the Strait of Hormuz.

The exercise, titled 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz', engages the IRGC's naval forces and is being conducted under the oversight and monitoring of IRGC's Chief Commander Mohammad Pakpour, as reported by the IRGC's official news outlet, Sepah News.

Key goals of the drill include evaluating the preparedness of the IRGC Navy's operational units, reviewing and simulating the IRGC's security strategies, and effectively utilizing Iran's geopolitical strengths within the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, according to a statement from the Xinhua news agency.

The intelligence and operational exercises involved focus on the swift, decisive, and all-encompassing responses of the IRGC's forces to potential security threats in the maritime domain.

This development arises amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside a reported US military buildup in the West Asia region. Notably, delegations from both Tehran and Washington are set to engage in a second round of indirect nuclear discussions in Geneva on Tuesday.

On Monday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for technical discussions regarding Tehran's nuclear matters.

This meeting took place at Araghchi's lodging in Geneva prior to the indirect nuclear negotiations scheduled for Tuesday in the Swiss city, as stated by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

During their discussions, both parties exchanged insights on specific technical issues relevant to Iran's cooperation with the IAEA, particularly in light of a law passed by the Iranian parliament last June to halt bilateral collaborations.

Post-meeting, Grossi took to social media platform X to share that the two sides had engaged in "in-depth technical discussions" in preparation for the crucial negotiations set for Tuesday.

Earlier that day, Araghchi stated on X that he was accompanied by Iranian nuclear specialists and planned to meet with Grossi for "deep technical discussions". He also mentioned a scheduled meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi ahead of the indirect talks.

"I am in Geneva with genuine ideas for achieving a fair and just agreement. What is off the table: capitulation before threats," asserted Araghchi.

Previously, Iranian and US delegations, led by Araghchi and US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, conducted a first round of talks in Oman's Muscat on February 6. Witkoff is set to lead the US delegation once more in Geneva, as reported by US media.