Iran, Russia, China wrap up strategic joint naval exercises
The navies of Iran, Russia, and China have completed joint manoeuvres in the Gulf of Oman. This was the fifth edition of these countries' annual exercises.
What you need to know?
- The Gulf of Oman is located near the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route for the global energy market.
- Units from three countries participated in the exercises: Russia sent two corvettes and a tanker, while China sent a missile destroyer and a supply ship.
- The exercises took place in the context of increasing tensions in the Middle East, including Iran's rejection of nuclear talks with the USA.
What were the objectives of the manoeuvres?
The navies of Iran, Russia, and China completed the fifth edition of joint manoeuvres in the Gulf of Oman waters on Wednesday. Iranian state media showed footage of night manoeuvres involving live ammunition and deck artillery.
According to earlier announcements, they practised, among other things, attacks on maritime targets and conducting search and rescue operations. The Russians sent two corvettes and a tanker to the manoeuvres, while the Chinese sent a missile destroyer and a supply ship - it was reported in the defence ministries' communications of these countries.
Why are these manoeuvres important?
The exercises took place near the strategically located Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial trade route for the global energy market from the resource-rich Gulf states. Unlike the USA, China and Russia do not regularly conduct naval patrols in the Middle East - noted the AP agency.
However, Beijing and Moscow have extensive interests with Iran. China is the largest importer of Iranian oil, and Russia buys weapons in that country, which it uses in the war against Ukraine. The exercises were conducted at a time when tension in the Middle East is growing again.
Iran rejected the US proposal
On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, rejected the proposal made by US President Donald Trump to resume talks on the nuclear deal, considering it unreliable and backed by threats. Trump simultaneously maintains a policy of exerting maximum pressure on Iran through sanctions and promises not to allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Also on Wednesday, Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels warned that they would resume attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden because Israel has not unblocked humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip. Currently, there is a ceasefire on Palestinian territory, but the prospects for its extension are uncertain.
