Russia, China, and Iran will conduct joint naval exercises, “Security Belt-2025,” in March near Chabahar, Iran, to enhance military cooperation. Observers from various countries will monitor this move amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., which include new sanctions. Russia has indicated a willingness to mediate nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises named “Security Belt-2025” in March near the port of Chabahar, Iran. This information was confirmed by the Chinese defense ministry and reported by Russian state media. The exercises aim to enhance military collaboration among the participating nations, focusing on striking maritime targets and joint search and rescue operations.
The joint maneuvers, scheduled for Monday, will feature a Chinese fleet including a destroyer and a supply vessel. Iranian state media state that the drills will also involve the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). These exercises represent the seventh installment of the “Security Belt” series among Iran, Russia, and China.
Observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, will monitor the upcoming exercises. This initiative follows an agreement earlier this year between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed at enhancing military and economic cooperation.
Relations between Iran and the United States have deteriorated, particularly since former President Donald Trump’s efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump recently expressed a desire to renew discussions surrounding a nuclear deal, a move met with skepticism from Iranian leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei rejected the notion of negotiations with the United States, characterizing them as attempts at domination rather than genuine efforts to resolve issues.
In response to ongoing tensions, the United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, targeting various companies and individuals. Despite this, Russia has expressed willingness to mediate renewed nuclear discussions between the United States and Iran, potentially signaling a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The forthcoming joint naval exercises involving Russia, China, and Iran depict a significant enhancement of military collaboration among these nations. Amid strained U.S.-Iran relations and ongoing U.S. sanctions, the exercises symbolize mutual interests and shared objectives in regional security. Continuous dialogues regarding nuclear negotiations remain contentious, particularly as differing perspectives illustrate the geopolitical complexities surrounding this issue.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
