DUBAI: China, Iran and Russia have started a joint naval drill in the international waters near Iran, said officials on Tuesday.
Chinese state media in a video released by the Russian navy showed the ongoing exercise, known as “Marine Security Belt 2024.”
China has sent the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi and the guided-missile frigate Linyi to the naval drills while Russia is being represented by the Varyag, a Slava-class cruiser.
More than 20 ships, support vessels and combat boats from the three countries, as well as naval helicopters, are taking part in the exercise.
Iranian state media quoted the drill’s spokesperson, Adm. Mostafa Tajaddini, as saying the drill will be held in 17,000 square kilometers of water.
He added that the three-nation drill, their fourth since 2019 is aimed to improve trade, counter piracy and terrorism, support to humanitarian activities and the exchange of information for rescue.
Iran has enhanced its military cooperation with China and Russia amid tensions with the United States.
Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Oman, and South Africa are observers of the naval drill.
Since 2019, the international waters near Iran have witnessed a series of attacks that the US has blamed on Iran, as well as ship captures by Tehran.
