Iranian navy begins exercise in waters near strategic oil route

TEHERAN - Iran's navy began a 10-day drill on Saturday in international waters near the strategic oil route that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The exercises, dubbed "Velayat 90", could bring Iranian ships into proximity with US navy vessels in the area.

The exercise covers a 2,000-kilometer stretch of sea off the Strait of Hormuz, northern parts of the Indian Ocean and into the Gulf of Aden, near the entrance to the Red Sea, state TV reported.