Russia, China, and Iran will hold joint naval exercises, “Security Belt-2025,” in the Indian Ocean near Iran’s Chabahar port this March. The exercises aim to strengthen military cooperation among the participant nations. Observers from multiple countries will monitor the events, marking the seventh iteration of these drills. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified sanctions against Iran, creating a backdrop of geopolitical tension.
Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises named “Security Belt-2025” in the Indian Ocean, specifically near Iran’s Chabahar port, later this March. The Chinese defense ministry has confirmed this information, stating the exercises aim to enhance military cooperation and mutual trust among the participating nations. The drills will involve exercises on maritime target strikes, 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 monitor these exercises. Iranian naval forces and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will also participate, marking the seventh edition of the “Security Belt” drills. An agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to increase defense and trade relations was signed earlier this year.
The geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly between Iran and the United States. Tensions escalated after former President Donald Trump’s call for a nuclear deal aimed at restricting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, which Iran has rejected, criticizing it as coercion. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the U.S. seeks to impose its conditions rather than address issues cooperatively.
The United States responded by imposing new sanctions targeting Iran’s critical oil sector, including enterprises and individuals linked to previously sanctioned entities. Under the Biden administration, these sanctions have become more frequent. Recently, Russia expressed willingness to mediate new nuclear discussions between the U.S. and Iran, potentially easing bilateral tensions amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The upcoming joint naval exercises between Russia, China, and Iran signify a strategic move to bolster military alliances in the Indian Ocean. Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran and the U.S., these developments reflect a complex interplay of military cooperation and diplomacy. Sanctions from the U.S. toward Iran are intensifying, yet Russia’s offer to mediate indicates a possible shift in international relations.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
