Russia, along with China and Iran, will conduct the ‘Security Belt-2025’ naval exercises in the Indian Ocean later this month. The drills near Iran’s Chabahar port aim to enhance military cooperation and include various participating nations as observers. This marks the seventh edition of such exercises, reflecting the deepening partnerships among these nations amidst rising tensions with the US over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Russia is preparing to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean later this month, according to an announcement from the Chinese defense ministry. The exercises, named ‘Security Belt-2025’, are set to occur in waters near Iran’s Chabahar port, as reported by various state media sources.
Scheduled for March, the drills will aim to improve military cooperation among the participating nations. The exercises will feature a Chinese fleet including a destroyer and a supply ship, focused on striking maritime targets, managing damage, and conducting joint search and rescue operations.
Observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, and Qatar, will monitor the exercises. This iteration marks the seventh round of the ‘Security Belt’ exercises between Iran, Russia, and China, which signify deepening military ties among these nations.
Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in trade and military sectors. In light of strained US-Iran relations, these drills and agreements reflect a strategic partnership to counterbalance US influence in the region.
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated following President Trump’s call for negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a move Iran rejected as coercive. Khamenei maintained that the US’s approach is more about domination than sincere negotiation.
Simultaneously, the US has implemented new sanctions targeting Iranian oil sources, compounding economic pressures, while Russia has shown openness to facilitate new nuclear negotiations, potentially hinting at an easing of US-Russia tensions amidst the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The upcoming joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean highlight the strengthening military ties among Russia, China, and Iran. The drills serve multiple purposes—strengthening mutual trust and cooperation while showcasing their collective stance in response to US measures. The geopolitical climate suggests a strategic shift in regional alliances, notably against the backdrop of US-Iran tensions and recent Russian diplomatic efforts regarding nuclear negotiations.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
