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.
Read next
20:40
Ukraine has outlined its formal negotiating framework ahead of planned peace talks with Russia, set to take place on June 2 in Istanbul, according to a full document seen by Reuters.
16:39
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
16:24
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
16:21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
03:30
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment