Iran, Russia, and China wrap up strategic naval drills
The navies of Iran, Russia, and China have completed joint maneuvers in the Gulf of Oman. This marks the fifth edition of these countries' annual exercises.
What were the objectives of the maneuvers?
The navies of Iran, Russia, and China completed their joint maneuvers in the Gulf of Oman waters on Wednesday. Iranian state media displayed footage of night maneuvers featuring live ammunition and deck artillery.
According to earlier announcements, the exercises included attacking maritime targets and conducting search and rescue operations. Russia sent two corvettes and a tanker, while China dispatched a missile destroyer and a supply ship, as reported in communications from these countries' defense ministries.
Why are these maneuvers important?
The exercises occurred near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, an essential trade route for the global energy market, particularly for the resource-rich Gulf states. Unlike the United States, China and Russia do not frequently conduct naval patrols in the Middle East, noted the AP agency.
However, Beijing and Moscow have significant interests with Iran. China is the largest importer of Iranian oil, and Russia purchases weapons from Iran, which it uses in the conflict against Ukraine. The exercises were conducted when tension in the Middle East rose again.
Iran rejected the US proposal
On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, rejected the proposal made by U.S. President Donald Trump to resume talks on the nuclear deal, deeming it unreliable and backed by threats. Trump simultaneously maintains a policy of maximum pressure on Iran through sanctions, promising not to allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Also on Wednesday, Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels warned they would resume attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden because Israel has not unblocked humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. Currently, there is a ceasefire on Palestinian territory, but the prospects for its extension remain uncertain.
