TABNAK, Jan 07: The first stage of the exercise, codenamed Eqtedar (Authority) 1403, began on Tuesday on the periphery of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility upon the order of Brigadier General Qader Rahimzadeh, commander of the country's Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base.

During this phase of the military exercise, air defense units of the IRGC Aerospace Force are providing a complete protection of Shahid Ahmadi Roshan nuclear site, also known as Natanz site, against a multitude of aerial threats under critical electronic warfare conditions.

Iranian military forces hold routine exercises according to a detailed schedule in various parts of the country in order to test their weaponry and equipment and evaluate their combat preparedness.

The country’s officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities which are entirely meant for defense against potential new threats.