Russia, China, and Iran launch joint naval exercises in Gulf of Oman

Russia, China, and Iran have commenced joint military exercises named “Maritime Security Belt-2025” in the Gulf of Oman. The opening ceremony for the exercise took place at the Iranian port of Chabahar.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the Rezkiy and Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, along with the medium-sized sea tanker Pechenga, from Russia’s Pacific Fleet, would participate in the exercise.

The Ministry stated that during the exercise, which will last several days in the northern Indian Ocean, tasks such as rescuing hijacked ships, search and rescue at sea, protecting underwater communication lines, and artillery fire on naval and air targets will be carried out.

According to Tasnim news agency, Iran will send warships and naval infantry from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the exercise.

Tehran emphasized that the purpose of the exercise is “to strengthen security in the region and expand multilateral cooperation among the participating countries.” Military officials also plan to conduct exercises on protecting international maritime trade and combating piracy and terrorism.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the destroyer Baotou and the supply ship Gaoyou Lake would participate in the exercise.

The Ministry noted that the exercise aims to deepen “mutual trust” and “pragmatic cooperation” in the military field.

A total of approximately 15 ships, support vessels, fast attack craft, and naval aviation helicopters are participating in the exercise.

Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Republic of South Africa are participating as observers in the exercise.

The “Maritime Security Belt-2025” exercise is being held for the seventh time under Iran’s leadership. The first exercise was conducted in the Sea of Oman in 2018.

The exercise is taking place in the shadow of planned talks between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on March 12.

The US delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.

Ukraine will be represented by the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, his deputy Pavel Palisa, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.