Russia, China, and Iran are set to hold joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean known as ‘Security Belt-2025’ later in March. The operations aim to strengthen military cooperation. This development coincides with heightened US-Iran tensions and discussions about nuclear negotiations. Russia is open to mediating talks amid this complex geopolitical landscape.
Russia is preparing to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Iran, designated as the ‘Security Belt-2025’. This operation will occur in the Indian Ocean, specifically near Iran’s Chabahar port, later in March. The Chinese defense ministry has reported on this collaboration, which aims to enhance military trust and cooperation amongst the participating nations.
The Chinese fleet involved will comprise a destroyer and a supply vessel. The military drills are planned to include operations such as striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search and rescue missions. The initiative emphasizes fostering pragmatic cooperation and mutual military trust among the navies of Russia, China, and Iran.
According to Iranian state media, this forthcoming exercise will feature observers from several nations including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka. Moreover, vessels from the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will also partake in these exercises. This event marks the seventh edition of the ‘Security Belt’ exercises facilitated by these three nations.
Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade and military sectors. This development comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, following former President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate terms to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran has condemned as aggressive politicking.
Amidst these developments, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the situation, asserting, “There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal” to address nuclear concerns. He criticized the US approach, suggesting negotiations aimed primarily at imposing further restrictions rather than genuine resolution.
On the other hand, the United States has recently imposed additional sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry, an essential revenue source. These sanctions impact firms, vessels, and individuals associated with previously sanctioned entities. Under the Biden administration, such penalties have become routine as part of enforcing persistent sanctions against Iran.
In a contrasting development, Russia has expressed its willingness to mediate in renewed nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, signaling a possible shift toward improved US-Russia relations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The joint naval exercises between Russia, China, and Iran signify a strategic collaboration aimed at bolstering military capabilities and trust among the nations involved. These developments occur alongside heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, marked by renewed sanctions from the latter and ongoing discussions about nuclear negotiations. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the roles of these nations in fostering regional security and diplomacy will become increasingly pivotal.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
