Russia, China, and Iran will hold joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean titled ‘Security Belt-2025’ this March, focusing on enhancing maritime military cooperation. Observers from multiple countries will monitor the exercises, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear negotiations and US sanctions.
Russia will conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean, as announced by the Chinese defense ministry. The ‘Security Belt-2025′ exercises are scheduled for late March near Iran’s Chabahar port. Reports indicate the operations will focus on striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue efforts. The exercise aims to enhance military collaboration among the three nations’ naval forces.
Additionally, observers from several nations—including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka—will oversee the drills. Iran will deploy its Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) for the exercises, representing the seventh iteration of the Security Belt series.
A cooperation agreement was signed in January between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing military and trade partnerships. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly following US efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, which has faced criticism from Tehran as an act of coercion. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei remarked on the complexity of dealing with the US, implying military action or a deal are the only paths forward.
Recent US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector exacerbate the situation. The latest measures affect entities already under US sanctions, impacting Iran’s primary revenue stream. Concurrently, Russia has offered to facilitate new nuclear discussions between the US and Iran, seeking to leverage any potential thaw in US-Russia relations amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
In summary, the planned joint naval exercises involving Russia, China, and Iran signify a strengthening of military ties among these nations. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and US sanctions, these maneuvers reflect broader strategic collaborations. The involvement of various observer nations further emphasizes the international stakes in this regional security framework, highlighting shifting alliances and responses to US policy initiatives.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
