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Iran, Russia and China Strengthen Naval Cooperation with New Joint Exercises in Gulf of Oman.
As Iran, China, and Russia continue their joint naval exercises in the northern Indian Ocean, Iran’s Navy Chief, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, highlighted the emergence of new maritime powers capable of maintaining a significant presence in high seas, as reported by Tasnim News Agency. These maneuvers, named Security Belt-2025, represent another step in military cooperation between the three nations, which seek to expand their maritime influence while challenging what they perceive as American hegemony in the region.
Since 2019, Iran, China, and Russia have conducted several joint naval exercises, underscoring their ability to secure sea lanes in a region through which more than half of global trade passes (Picture source: Tasnim News )
According to Iranian media, the exercises will take place primarily off the southeastern coast of Iran, starting from the strategic port of Chabahar, a crucial hub for Iranian maritime trade with access to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Reports on the exact start date vary, with Tasnim news agency indicating a Tuesday launch while the official Irna agency mentions Monday. This inconsistency reflects the confidentiality surrounding these drills, often seen as demonstrations of force aimed at deterrence.
The exercises will involve combat and support vessels from the Chinese and Russian naval forces, as well as units from Iran’s regular navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. The drills are designed to enhance operational coordination among the three fleets and improve their ability to respond to maritime threats, including piracy and asymmetric attacks on commercial ships.
The stated objective of these exercises is to ensure regional maritime security and strengthen multilateral cooperation among the participating nations. This edition of the Security Belt is notable for the presence of several observer countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka. Their participation highlights the growing interest in such initiatives across the Indo-Pacific, a region where tensions over strategic maritime routes have increased in recent years. The Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed that China would deploy a destroyer and a replenishment ship as part of the operations, demonstrating its commitment to the initiative.
Since 2019, Iran, China, and Russia have conducted several joint naval exercises, underscoring their ability to secure sea lanes in a region through which more than half of global trade passes. While these operations are officially focused on combating piracy and maritime terrorism, they also have strategic and political dimensions. For Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing, the exercises serve as an opportunity to demonstrate their growing influence over international shipping routes and to strengthen a military partnership that presents an alternative to Western-led coalitions.
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani’s statements came in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who downplayed the significance of these maneuvers, asserting that U.S. military strength far surpassed that of the participating nations. “Not at all… Because we are stronger than all of them. We have more power than all of them. I rebuilt the military,” Trump stated. In response, Irani emphasized that the exercises do not pose a threat to regional stability but rather aim to secure maritime trade routes and ensure the free movement of goods. He criticized what he called "illusions" maintained by certain international actors, arguing that those who oppose such initiatives have not contributed to peace and security but have instead fostered instability and conflict.
In parallel with these exercises, Iran continues to invest in developing its naval capabilities. On February 6, 2025, the country unveiled its first drone carrier, the Martyr Bahman Bagheri, during an official ceremony in the Gulf. This military platform represents a significant shift for the Iranian navy, which aims to integrate autonomous technologies and airborne systems into its maritime operations. Iran is relying on technological advancements to address gaps in its conventional naval capabilities while enhancing its deterrence posture in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Iranian armed forces had already conducted military exercises in this area in February to improve their defense capabilities and prepare for potential confrontations. As part of Security Belt-2025, the Iranian navy is also emphasizing its experience in safeguarding merchant vessels and oil tankers. According to Iranian authorities, more than 6,000 ships have been escorted by the national navy in recent years, and assistance has been provided to around 20 countries facing maritime emergencies.
These naval maneuvers are part of a broader strategic shift in which Iran, China, and Russia seek to consolidate their influence and develop joint military capabilities that could rival those of the United States and its allies. They also reflect evolving power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, where Beijing and Moscow are expanding their naval reach and asserting their role in global maritime security governance.
While these exercises are officially intended to secure maritime trade routes and counter transnational maritime threats, they also send a clear political signal. By regularly coordinating large-scale military operations, Iran, China, and Russia demonstrate their commitment to strengthening a strategic partnership that could reshape global power balances. Amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies, these operations highlight the gradual emergence of a new maritime order, where multiple centers of influence challenge the dominance of Western powers.