Iran, Russia, and China to Hold Joint Naval Drills in Gulf of Oman
- Chinese and Russian warships to participate alongside Iran’s navy.
- Drills aim to enhance regional security and multilateral cooperation.
- Observers from Azerbaijan, Oman, UAE, and other nations to attend.
Iranian media reported on Sunday that Iran, Russia, and China will conduct joint naval exercises off Iran’s coast this week to strengthen military ties and regional security.
The drills are set to commence on Tuesday in the southeastern port of Chabahar, situated along the Gulf of Oman. The exact duration of the exercises has not been disclosed.
According to Tasnim news agency, the warships, combat vessels, and support units from the Chinese and Russian navies will participate alongside Iran’s naval forces, including units from both the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The exercises, taking place in the northern Indian Ocean, are designed to bolster security cooperation among the participating nations, who share concerns about U.S. global influence.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that two corvettes and a tanker from its Pacific Fleet would take part. The drills will involve simulated ship rescues, search-and-recovery operations, and live-fire exercises against sea and air targets.
China’s defense ministry announced it would deploy a destroyer and a supply ship for the event, while countries including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka will attend as observers.
In February, the Iranian military conducted similar exercises in the region to enhance defensive capabilities against potential threats.
