China, Iran, and Russia conduct joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman

In a significant display of military cooperation and strategic alignment, China, Iran, and Russia have commenced a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman, officials announced on Tuesday. The drill, dubbed "Marine Security Belt 2024," unfolds in a pivotal maritime corridor near the Persian Gulf's entrance, underscoring the deepening military ties among the three nations amid escalating tensions with the United States.

State media outlets, including Chinese state television and the Russian navy, have broadcasted footage of the exercise, highlighting the international scope and scale of the operation. China's contribution to the drills includes the deployment of the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi and the guided-missile frigate Linyi, showcasing Beijing's advanced naval capabilities. Leading the Russian contingent is the Varyag, a Slava-class cruiser, symbolizing Moscow's commitment to this tripartite partnership.

The naval exercise boasts the participation of over 20 ships, support vessels, combat boats, and naval helicopters from China, Iran, and Russia, demonstrating a significant show of force and coordination among the countries. Adm. Mostafa Tajaddini, the spokesperson for the drill, revealed that the exercise would cover an area of 6,600 square miles, aiming not only to bolster military cooperation but also to enhance trade routes, counter-piracy and terrorism, and facilitate humanitarian efforts and information exchange in rescue operations.

This year's drill marks the fourth joint naval exercise between the countries since 2019, reflecting a strategic shift as Iran seeks to strengthen its military alliances with Beijing and Moscow. This move comes in response to heightened regional tensions, particularly with the United States, which have escalated due to Iran's supply of military drones to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Observers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa are monitoring the drill, indicating the broader international interest in these exercises and their implications for regional security and global trade. The Gulf of Oman, a critical conduit for a fifth of all oil traded worldwide, has been a focal point of geopolitical interest and conflict, especially following a series of attacks and ship seizures attributed to Iran since the collapse of its nuclear deal with world powers.