Russian and Chinese naval ships have entered Iranian territorial waters to participate in significant joint military exercises
Naval contingents from Russia and China have entered the territorial waters of Iran in the northern Indian Ocean to take part in the extensive Security Belt-2025 joint naval exercise. This operation involves numerous divisions from the three influential nations, showcasing their maritime capabilities and strategic cooperation.
On Monday, a naval contingent comprising Russia’s Rezkiy and Geroy Rossiyskoy Federatsii Aldar Tsydenzhapov corvettes, along with the Pechenga fleet oiler of the Pacific Fleet, arrived at Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Port. They were joined by China’s Baotou destroyer and the Gaoyouhu replenishment ship, marking a significant international maritime presence in the region.
Upon arrival, the individuals were welcomed by senior commanders and officials from both the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy.
Delegates from various nations, including Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Iran’s sole oceanic port city to participate as observers in the ongoing military exercises.
The primary phase of the Security Belt-2025 naval exercises is set to commence on Tuesday.
The Iranian Navy is set to conduct a military exercise featuring a diverse array of vessels, including the Jamaran and Alvand frigates, the Bayandor corvette, the Neyzeh fast attack craft, as well as the auxiliary ships Ganaveh, Nayband, and Bahregan.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy will also be showcasing several key vessels, including the missile corvette Shahid Sayyad Shirazi, the fast attack craft Shahid Rouhi, and the offshore supply vessel Shahid Mahmoudi.
The naval drill, titled Security Belt-2025, will mark the fifth collaborative exercise between China, Iran, and Russia since 2019.
The Chinese Defense Ministry announced that upcoming exercises are designed to “enhance military trust and strengthen practical cooperation.” These drills will feature simulated strikes on maritime targets, visit-board-search-seizure operations, and search and rescue exercises.
Iranian naval forces, in collaboration with their Chinese and Russian counterparts, have conducted multiple joint military exercises in recent years. These maneuvers aim to bolster the security and stability of international maritime trade routes.
The parties have collaborated on initiatives to combat piracy and maritime terrorism, engaging in the exchange of intelligence for naval rescue and relief missions and sharing both operational and tactical expertise.
Analysts have long viewed the exercises as indicative of the strengthening alliance among the three nations, as they aim to offset US influence and question the Western-dominated global framework.
