Russia will conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean named “Security Belt-2025”. This exercise aims to strengthen military ties and involves targets like maritime strikes and joint rescues. Observers from several nations will monitor the drills, which occur amidst escalating U.S.-Iran tensions due to sanctions and nuclear discussions.
Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises called “Security Belt-2025” in the Indian Ocean later this March. The drills will specifically occur near the Iranian port of Chabahar, as per statements from China’s defense ministry and reported by Russian state media. The maneuvers aim to enhance mutual military trust and cooperation among the involved naval forces.
The Chinese naval contingent reportedly includes a destroyer and a supply ship. Exercises will focus on striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue operations. The drills are part of an ongoing series, marking the seventh time these three nations have collaborated in this format, according to Iranian media.
As observers, nations including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka will be present during the exercises. Participation from the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is also anticipated. An agreement established in January between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aims to bolster trade and military cooperation.
U.S.-Iran relations have seen heightened tensions, especially after former President Donald Trump’s push for nuclear negotiations was labeled by Iran as ”bullying.” Following Trump’s letter to Iranian leadership proposing new discussions, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei signaled skepticism and underlined Iran’s right to resist external pressures.
In light of ongoing tensions, the U.S. has recently imposed further sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, a pivotal revenue source, impacting affiliated companies and individuals. Meanwhile, Russia has offered to mediate new U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, indicating a potential thaw in relations due to the broader geopolitical context surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
The upcoming joint naval exercises between Russia, China, and Iran not only emphasize military collaboration but also underscore the geopolitical complexities surrounding U.S.-Iran relations. Heightened tensions due to sanctions and nuclear negotiations further complicate this scenario, while Russia’s role as a mediator suggests potential shifts in international diplomacy. The exercises are a key indicator of strategic alliances in the region, raising several implications for global security dynamics.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
