Russia will hold joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean later this month. The drills, named ‘Security Belt-2025’, aim to enhance military cooperation among the nations. Observers from various countries will monitor the exercises, amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, influenced by recent sanctions and diplomatic negotiations.
Moscow is preparing to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran in the Indian Ocean later this month, as confirmed by the Chinese defense ministry. The “Security Belt-2025” drills, scheduled for March, will occur near Iran’s Chabahar port, as reported by Russian state media. These exercises aim to enhance military cooperation and mutual trust among the naval forces of the participating nations.
The Chinese fleet participating in the exercises includes a destroyer along with a supply ship, focusing on operational drills such as striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue operations. Observers from various countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, will be monitoring the event.
Additionally, the Iranian Navy and the Naval Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will engage in the drills, marking the seventh cycle of the “Security Belt” exercises organized by Iran, Russia, and China. Recent cooperation between Russia and Iran was formalized during an agreement signed in January by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
U.S.-Iran relations have deteriorated in light of President Donald Trump’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, which has been met with resistance from Tehran. In a recent statement, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei characterized U.S. negotiations as attempts at domination rather than genuine efforts to resolve conflicts.
Concurrent with these developments, the U.S. has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, critically affecting the nation’s economy. These sanctions have escalated under President Biden’s administration, demonstrating a continued enforcement of previous restrictions, according to media reports. Russia has expressed readiness to facilitate new nuclear discussions between the U.S. and Iran, suggesting a potential thaw in relationships in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
In summary, Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct naval exercises in the Indian Ocean aimed at strengthening military cooperation and trust among their forces. The event underscores the geopolitical complexities involving U.S.-Iran relations, which have become strained. Furthermore, the application of U.S. sanctions highlights ongoing economic pressures on Iran, while Russia’s offer to mediate emphasizes its role in global diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
