China, Iran, and Russia Launch Major Naval Drill
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
TEHRAN/BEIJING (Worthy News) – China, Iran, and Russia have begun a massive joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman, adding to Western concerns about heightened military tensions in the region.
The three nations, whose leaders oppose the U.S.-led world order, sent numerous vessels, aircraft, and equipment to the area, footage revealed.
Chinese state television and a video released by the Russian navy showed the ongoing drill, known as “Marine Security Belt 2024.”
Beijing sent China’s guided-missile destroyer Urumqi and the guided-missile frigate Linyi to the exercise, said sources familiar with the operation. Russia’s forces are being led by the Varyag, a Slava-class cruiser, Worthy News monitored.
More than 20 ships, support vessels, and combat boats from the three countries, as well as naval helicopters, are reportedly involved in the exercise.
A report by Iranian state television quoted the drill’s spokesperson, Admiral Mostafa Tajaddini, as saying the drill will take place in 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles) of water.
PIRACY AND TERRORISM
Tajaddini clarified that the three nations’ drill — their fourth since 2019 — was also meant to improve trade, confront “piracy and terrorism, support humanitarian activities and the exchange of information in the field of rescue.”
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa are observers of the military exercise.
Ironically, the Gulf of Oman, where the drill takes place, has seen several attacks since 2019 that the U.S. blamed on Iran.
It also saw ship seizures by Tehran following the collapse of its nuclear deal with world powers, aimed at preventing the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.
A fifth of all oil traded passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf’s narrow mouth, according to experts.
Iran has increased military cooperation with China and Russia in response to regional tensions with the United States, including over Israel’s war in Gaza. Tehran also faced Washington’s anger over its delivery of military drones to Russia, which are now used in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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