Iran, China, Russia Hold Drill in Indian Ocean

The Iranian Navy and the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps took part in the “2022 Marine Security Belt” exercises over an area of 17,000 square kilometers, Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajoddini, spokesman of the wargame, told IRIB News. 

The drills included various tactical exercises such as rescuing a burning vessel, releasing a hijacked vessel and shooting at air targets at night.

The exercises began in the early hours of Friday morning.

Strengthening the security of international maritime trade, combating piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging intelligence in the field of maritime rescue missions, and exchanging operational and tactical experience are among the objectives of the exercise.

The three countries started joint naval drills in 2019 in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman area, Tajoddini said.

“The purpose of this drill is to strengthen security and its foundations in the region, and to expand multilateral cooperation between the three countries to jointly support world peace, maritime security and create a maritime community with a common future,” Tajoddini said.

Since coming to office last June, President Ebrahim Raisi has pursued a “look east” policy to deepen ties with China and Russia. Tehran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in September, a central Asian security body led by Beijing and Moscow.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visited China last week and Iran’s president met his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Thursday.