Iran to hold naval drills with China and Russia

Amid tensions with the United States, Iran will hold joint naval drills with the two superpowers. In mid-February, Iran will be joined by two arch-rivals, the United States, China and Russia. Anadolu Agency reported this information on Saturday (January 31) citing Iranian media. In addition, Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim News Agency reported that naval units of the three countries will participate in the joint naval drills called ‘Maritime Security Belt’.
According to the report, the Chinese and Russian navies will participate in the drills with units of the Iranian regular navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ naval force. The drills are expected to take place in the northern Indian Ocean in mid-February. Tasnim also reported that the ‘Maritime Security Belt’ drills were initiated by the Iranian navy in 2019. Since then, seven joint drills have been held. The drills are taking place at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The situation has become more heated after US President Donald Trump said a “large fleet” was moving towards Iran and called on Tehran to negotiate. Iranian officials have warned that if the US attacks, their response will be swift and severe. At the same time, they have reiterated that Tehran is only ready to negotiate on fair, balanced and non-coercive terms.