TEHRAN: Iran, Russia and China have announced plans to conduct joint naval exercises in the northern Indian Ocean later this month, according to Iranian semi-official media.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that naval forces from the three countries will take part in the drills, titled “Maritime Security Belt.” Participants will include Iran’s regular navy, units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, along with Chinese and Russian naval vessels.
Officials said the exercises are designed to strengthen operational coordination and improve preparedness against potential maritime threats.
The drills were first launched in 2019 and have since been held seven times, reflecting growing defense cooperation among the three nations.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the United States recently increasing its naval presence in the Middle East region.
No exact start date for the exercises was disclosed.
