GULF OF OMAN: Iran, Russia and china launched their fifth annual joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, a strategic maritime region vital for global trade, particularly oil shipments.
The drills, named “Marine Security Belt 2025” commenced on Tuesday near the Iranian port city of Chabahar. The objective of the exercises is to improve cooperation among the three states’ naval forces.
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According to Chinese state media, the exercises are designed to strengthen the military ties and operational coordination among the participating countries.
The Gulf of Oman has become increasingly significant in recnt years amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, as well as other Western states.
The joint naval drills are viewed as a demonstration of solidarity among Iran, Russia and China, particularly as they navigate an increasingly polarised geopolitical global arena.
The exercises include a variety of military operations, such as targeting maritime threats, damage control, and joint search and rescues missions.
Reports from Russian news agency Interfax indicate that the naval crews from the three countries engaged in live-fire exercises, utilising large-calibre machine guns and small arms to simulate engagements with enemy unmanned boats and aircraft during both, day and night, operations.
In addition to the primary participants, naval groups from several other countries are monitoring the exercises. Observers include representatives from Uzbekistan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka.
The presence of these nations highlights the broader interest in maritime security and stability in the region, as well as the potential for future collaboration among the countries.
The timing of the joint exercises is notable, as Iran faces increasing isolation due to international sanctions and diplomatic pressures related to its nuclear programme.
For Russia and China, strengthening military ties with Iran serves to counterbalance Western influence in the region and assert their own strategic interests.
The trilateral cooperation also aligns with China’s Belt and road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect China via land to Europe via Africa and Asia. It will also improve trade routes for the Asian Tiger as it grapples with a mercurial Trump and his ‘trade wars’.
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As the drills progress, they are likely to attract the attention from the global powers, particularly the United States, which has expressed concerns over the growing military cooperation among these nations.
The Gulf of Oman remains a focal point for maritime security and the outcomes of such drills will have implications for the regional stability.