Russia, China and Iran deploy warships in the Gulf of Oman

The naval forces of Russia, China, and Iran conducted military exercises in the waters of the Gulf of Oman last March.

These military exercises increase geostrategic tension in the Middle East following Houthi attacks on merchant ships and the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, which was triggered by Hamas attacks on civilian targets in Israel that went unanswered by the Israeli army for hours.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the aim of the maneuvers is to improve the security of maritime economic activity. The Iranian port of Chabahar is the nerve center of this operation, called Maritime Security Belt 2024.

The Chinese navy has sent a guided missile destroyer, a guided missile frigate, and a comprehensive supply ship, according to reports in the Asian country’s press.

According to Russian government sources, representatives from Oman, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and South Africa are also participating in the maneuvers as observers.

For its part, the Iranian press reports that the objective of the maneuvers is to strengthen regional security, promote collective cooperation, and demonstrate capabilities to provide concerted support for world peace and maritime security.