Russia will engage in joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean, known as ‘Security Belt-2025’, to enhance military cooperation and trust. The exercises will occur near Iran’s Chabahar port and include participation from various international observers. Amid strained US-Iran relations and recent sanctions, Russia has offered to mediate nuclear talks between the two nations.
Russia will conduct naval exercises in collaboration with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean later this month. The drills, named ‘Security Belt-2025’, will occur in waters close to the Iranian port of Chabahar. This information was provided by the Chinese defense ministry, as reported by Russian media sources.
The Chinese naval fleet involved will comprise a destroyer and a supply ship, and the exercise will focus on attacking maritime targets and joint search and rescue operations. The goal is to enhance military mutual trust and cooperation among the naval forces involved, as stated by the Chinese defense ministry.
Observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, are set to monitor the exercises. This drill represents the seventh installment of the “Security Belt” joint military exercises conducted by Iran, Russia, and China.
In January, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade and military efforts. Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, President Trump previously sought a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which prompted strong condemnation from Tehran.
Recently, Trump’s administration imposed further sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry. Iran’s supreme leader dismissed the U.S. approach, arguing that their negotiations aim at domination rather than resolution. In contrast, Russia has expressed interest in mediating new nuclear discussions between the U.S. and Iran.
In summary, Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean to bolster military collaboration. These exercises, amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., highlight geopolitical strategies and military alliances in the region. The participation of various observers signifies the international implications of these maneuvers, while Iran’s leadership maintains a resolute stance against U.S. sanctions and negotiations.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
