China, Russia and Iran have launched joint naval drills on the Gulf of Oman in a move intended to get the West’s attention. Today’s “Security Belt-2025” exercises will boast a flotilla of warships from all three navies, including the Baotou – China’s most powerful guided missile destroyer.
According to China’s defence ministry, Beijing is also deploying the supply ship Gaoyouhu from the 47th naval escort task force. Russian has sent two Corvettes, Rezky and Aldar Sydenzhapov, as well as a tanker from its Pacific Fleet, which recently conducted artillery drills in the eastern Indian Ocean. Iran, which will also field Islamic Republic Guards Corps naval assets, is expected to include its newest drone carrier, Martyr Bahman Bagheri, which can launch up to 60 drones from its 590-foot runway, is equipped for electronic warfare and is able to operate without refuelling for up to one year.
The drills, based off the Iranian port of Chabahar, will focus on warfightng, with the striking of maritime targets and damage control, as well as joint search and rescue operations.
“The aim is to strengthen military mutual trust and foster pragmatic cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries,” said China’s defence ministry in a statement.
The Gulf of Oman was thought to have been chosen because it is a critical trade route – especially key for oil and gas shipments – and is therefore closely monitored by the West.
China, Russia, and Iran have conducted similar naval exercises over the last two years as their strategic partnerships tighten.
Both China and Iran have supported Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, helping it sustain its war effort despite the West’s sanctions.
Beijing has remained a key ally of Moscow throughout the invasion, deepening economic ties and becoming Russia’s leading source of dual-use goods – components that are used for manufacturing weapons.
Russia has also strengthened its ties with Iran, which has provided Moscow with thousands of Shahed attack drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities.
In January, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an agreement expanding trade and military cooperation.
Tensions with the West have continued to mount since then, with Iran recently rejecting calls by US President Donald Trump for any new nuclear deal, while Moscow has stated it will not accept a European stabilisation force in Ukraine to underwrite a peace deal.
The drills will be monitored by officials from the Azerbaijan Republic, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.