Russia, China, and Iran to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises in Indian Ocean

Russia, China, and Iran will conduct joint naval exercises in March near Iran. These exercises, focusing on military collaboration, involve observers from various countries and coincide with heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. amid new sanctions and diplomatic overtures. Russia has offered to mediate U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, reflecting evolving geopolitical relations.

Russia, China, and Iran are scheduled to conduct joint naval exercises named “Security Belt-2025” in March, in proximity to the Iranian port of Chabahar. This information was confirmed by China’s defense ministry and disseminated through Russian state media.

The naval maneuvers will involve a fleet from China, including a destroyer and a supply vessel. Planned activities will feature striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue operations. The goal is to enhance military cooperation and mutual trust among the participants’ naval forces.

The exercises mark the seventh iteration of the “Security Belt” joint operations, as reported by Iranian state media. Observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, and the UAE, will monitor the drills, which will involve vessels from both the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

In January, an agreement was reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to strengthen collaboration in military and trade spheres. Tensions have escalated between Iran and the United States in light of U.S. sanctions and diplomatic challenges regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Recent statements by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted skepticism towards U.S. negotiations, describing them as attempts to impose dominance rather than resolutions. Concurrently, the U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, further complicating relations.

Moreover, Russia has offered to mediate nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Such developments are generating significant attention in international affairs, particularly regarding the evolving dynamics in the Middle East.

In summary, the upcoming joint naval exercises between Russia, China, and Iran in the Indian Ocean are aimed at bolstering military cooperation and mutual trust. The backdrop of strained U.S.-Iran relations and the newly imposed sanctions further complicate the geopolitical landscape. Additionally, Russia’s willingness to mediate nuclear discussions indicates a nuanced shift in international diplomacy among these nations.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com