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This week, the navies of Iran, Russia, and China will join forces for a series of military drills off the coast of Iran, aiming to enhance their naval cooperation. The exercises will take place near the port of Chabahar, located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman, beginning Tuesday (March 11th). While the exact duration of the exercises remains unclear, their significance is not lost on anyone paying attention to the increasing military collaboration between these nations.
According to Iranian news agency Tasnim, the participating fleets will include warships, combat vessels, and support ships from both the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as naval forces from China and Russia. This joint display of power in the northern Indian Ocean is intended to enhance their regional influence in the area.
In addition to the three main participants, several countries, including Iraq, Qatar, UAE, South Africa and Oman will observe the drills, among others.
China’s contribution will include a destroyer and a supply ship, as confirmed by the Chinese defense ministry. These exercises follow a series of similar drills held in recent years, where Iran, Russia, and China have worked to counter what they perceive as Western dominance in global affairs.
Earlier this year, Iran conducted its own naval exercises in the region to improve defense capabilities and enhance preparedness against potential threats. The upcoming drills aim to solidify strategic alliances and possibly secure vital maritime routes.
As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the strategic landscape of the region, these joint military exercises reflect a clear intention by Iran, Russia, and China to increase their military presence and influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
