News / Defense

Iran, China, Russia are now in same league to ensure maritime security: Cmdr.

Saturday, 18 March 2023 6:45 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 3:03 PM ]

Marines from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy of China are seen in a picture taken on March 18, 2023 at the conclusion of the 2023 Marine Security Belt naval war game in the Sea of Oman. (Photo by Tasnim news agency)

The Iranian Navy’s Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the joint exercises by naval forces of Iran, China and Russia in the Sea of Oman sent a clear message to external forces that the three powerhouses are in the same league when it comes to maritime security in the region.

Irani told Iran’s Arabic-language al-Alam television news network on Saturday that Iranian, Chinese and Russian forces jointly practiced exercises during the 2023 Marine Security Belt naval war game, and this proved the high level of cooperation among the participants.

He said Iranian naval forces, together with their Chinese and Russian counterparts, exchanged operational and tactical experiences throughout the war game.

Iranian, Russian, Chinese forces intercept, shoot at aerial targets in joint naval drill

Iranian, Russian and Chinese naval forces have practiced shooting at aerial targets during a nighttime operation over an area in the Sea of Oman, where the three countries are carrying out a joint naval drill.

“This indicates that there exists the potential in the [West Asia] region for the neighboring countries to come together, guarantee regional security as their main priority, safeguard it, push trans-regional forces out and make them get deployed in areas close to the boundaries of their respective countries,” Irani said.

The 2023 Marine Security Belt naval war game ended in the northern tip of the Indian Ocean on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the drills, the Iranian Navy commander said more countries will take part in the exercise next year.