Iranian state media on Friday reported that a two-day military exercise is being carried out in the central Province of Esfahan, amid fears of a wider war in the region.

The ground forces launched a pre-planned drill to test the flight readiness of more than 200 helicopters as tensions in the Middle East rise amid the Hamas-Israel war.

Amir Cheshak, one of the commanders in the military told state media that the exercise aims to test Iran’s response to “possible threats” confronting the country.

Israel and the Islamic Republic are considered as staunch enemies in the region. The rhetoric between the two foes have been more incendiary than usual as the Hamas-Israel war rages on.

Tehran has gone as far as threatening Israel allies if they don’t stop supporting Tel Aviv in the war against Hamas.

Though Cheshak did not elaborate on the details, he told state media that troops and military equipment had been transferred from seven provinces in Iran for the military drill in Nasr Abad region of Esfahan.

The spokesperson said that the drills involve testing various units of the army including missiles, drones, as well as cyber warfare units.

Iran is a supporter of Hams in Gaza and well-armed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The international community has been in fear of the Hamas-Israel war spreading further into the region given Iran’s history of proxy wars.

This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that leading up to the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel, hundreds of the group’s fighters had received combat training in Iran.

The Iranian regime ordered street celebrations as the October 7 attack on Israel was still ongoing and Hamas leaders have thanked Tehran for its military support.