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

Russia will hold joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean, scheduled for later this month. The ‘Security Belt-2025’ maneuvers near Iran’s Chabahar port will focus on maritime operations and aim to strengthen military cooperation. Amidst these exercises, tensions persist between Iran and the United States related to nuclear negotiations and sanctions.

Moscow is poised to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean this month, as announced by the Chinese defense ministry. Dubbed the ‘Security Belt-2025’, the exercise will occur near Iran’s Chabahar port.

According to reports, the exercises will take place on Monday, featuring assets from the Chinese fleet, including a destroyer and a supply ship. The drills will focus on striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue operations, aimed at enhancing military trust and cooperation among the three nations’ naval forces.

Observers from various countries, including the Azerbaijan Republic, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, are expected to oversee the exercises. This event will mark the seventh iteration of the ‘Security Belt’ exercises conducted by Iran, Russia, and China.

In January, a cooperative agreement was established between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian official Masoud Pezeshkian, encompassing military and trade collaboration. Concurrently, tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated, following President Trump’s attempts to negotiate agreements regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which Tehran has vehemently opposed.

Amid these developments, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, reiterated their stance against US negotiations, alleging ulterior motives aimed at domination. Additionally, new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector have been imposed by the US, further straining relations. In response to the climate of tension, Russia has expressed a willingness to mediate future discussions between the US and Iran, potentially altering diplomatic dynamics due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In summary, Russia, in collaboration with China and Iran, is preparing for significant naval exercises in the Indian Ocean aimed at enhancing military cooperation. This development occurs amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, coupled with new sanctions impacting Iran’s oil industry. The willingness of Russia to mediate potential talks between the US and Iran signals a complex interplay of geopolitical relations that may evolve in the coming months.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com