Iran started on Friday, December 28 six days of naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at showcasing its military capabilities in what is a vital oil and gas shipping route, Reuters reported. Naval commander Habibollah Sayyari said the “Velayat 91” drills would last until Wednesday across an area of about 386 thousand square miles in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and northern parts of the Indian Ocean, the official IRNA news agency said. Sayyari was quoted as saying on Tuesday that the new drill would test the navy’s missile systems, combat ships, submarines and patrol and reconnaissance methods. Iran frequently conducts missile tests and maneuvers to underline its military muscle and Iranian officials have often said they could block the strait, through which 40 percent of the world’s sea-borne oil exports pass.