Russia, China and Iran have begun combat exercises in the northern Indian Ocean. It is the third joint exercise since 2019 when training took place in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
“The exercise aims to strengthen security in the region and enhance cooperation between the three countries to enable world peace,” Iranian Admiral Mostafa Tajoldini told Iranian media.
The exercise is being conducted at a time of heightened tensions between the West and the three countries. The main reasons for the current tensions are the looming Russian invasion of Ukraine, the tense negotiations on a new nuclear treaty with Iran, and the allegations of genocide against the Uyghurs in China.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been trying to strengthen ties with Russia and China since taking office in June 2021 in order to strengthen Iran’s position. Raisi spoke with Putin on Thursday, and the Iranian foreign minister went to China for a visit last week.
