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 country's central desert, state TV reported.

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

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

It said 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 Gulf of Oman.

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

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

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

(Im Credit: AP)