Iran, China, and Russia Plan Joint Naval Drill Amid Rising Tensions with Washington
The upcoming drill, named the “Maritime Security Belt” exercise, will include units from the Iranian Navy, the IRGC Navy, and the naval forces of China and Russia. Launched by Iran in 2019, the exercise has been conducted seven times, focusing on search and rescue operations, maritime security maneuvers, and joint coordination at sea.
Officials say the exercise seeks to strengthen cooperation among the participating countries and enhance regional maritime security amid growing geopolitical friction.
The announcement comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions, following a major US military buildup near Iranian waters. President Donald Trump has indicated the deployment is intended to pressure Tehran into negotiations, warning that failure to reach an agreement could provoke a military strike “far worse” than last year’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran has consistently rejected coercion, emphasizing that diplomacy cannot succeed under threats and that it is open to talks conducted on the basis of fairness and mutual respect. Tehran has also warned that any military action targeting its territory or interests would prompt a rapid and decisive response.
The joint exercise underscores ongoing military coordination between Tehran, Beijing, and Moscow, signaling a strategic show of unity in the face of increasing pressure from Washington.
