Chinese and Russian warships have entered Iranian territorial waters to participate in the "Security Belt 2025" naval drills in the northern Indian Ocean which is set to begin today.
Vessels from the Iranian Navy and the Naval Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will also participate in the drills, marking the seventh edition of the "Security Belt" joint exercises conducted by Iran, Russia, and China, according to Iranian media report.
Delegations from Azerbaijan Republic, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka will attend the exercise as observers.
The Chinese defense ministry said that the "Security Belt-2025" joint exercise will be held near the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman coast. The exercise aims to deepen "military trust and pragmatic cooperation."
The drills will include simulated attacks on maritime targets, joint search and rescue operations, and spot checks and arrests.
China has sent the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Baotou and supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force to participate in the exercise. The full task force, which also includes the guided-missile frigate Honghe and two shipborne helicopters, has been patrolling the nearby Gulf of Aden since December.
Last year’s exercise, held from March 11 to 15, focused on anti-piracy and search-and-rescue drills. These included armed rescues of hijacked merchant vessels and targeting practice at sea, according to the defense ministry. China’s 45th naval escort task force took part in the drills, alongside Russia’s Pacific fleet and more than 10 Iranian vessels.
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Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
At least 12 people, including two children, were killed in Kyiv after Russia launched massive overnight drone and missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital and other regions, officials said.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
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