Tehran, Dec 25 (IANS): The Iranian army is staging a massive military manoeuvres called “Mohammad Rasoulallah” to display its military prowess, Press TV reported.

The first stage of the six-day drill began Thursday. The exercises will cover an area of 2.2 million sq km stretching from the east of the Strait of Hormuz all the way to the 10th Parallel in the north of the Indian Ocean.

During the first stage, the largest of its kind in the region, different ground units, fighter jets and air defense systems have been stationed in the southeastern part of the country. Various surface and under-surface vessels have been deployed in the Sea of Oman.

The Second-in-Command of the Iranian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, said boosting the defence capabilities of the country was one of the objectives of the manoeuvres.

The Iranian commander said the country’s army wanted to convey a message of peace and friendship to neighbouring states through this military drill.

The exercises will be carried out by the army’s ground, naval and air forces and with the support of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defence Base.

The Islamic republic has frequently announced that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defence doctrine is based on deterrence.