Iran to Conduct Naval Exercises with China, Russia Amid US Tensions

(MENAFN) Iran plans to hold joint naval drills with China and Russia in the northern Indian Ocean in mid-February, reports indicate, amid rising tensions with the United States.

According to semi-official Iranian media, the eighth edition of the exercises, called the “Maritime Security Belt,” will involve naval units from Iran’s regular navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the naval forces of China and Russia.

The drills, scheduled for mid-February, will take place in the northern Indian Ocean. The exercises were first launched in 2019 at the initiative of Iran’s navy, and seven editions have been conducted since then, reports added.

The announcement comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated following US President Donald Trump’s statements about a “massive armada” moving toward Iran and his call for Tehran to “come to the table” for negotiations.

Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would prompt a “swift and comprehensive” response, while reiterating that Tehran remains willing to engage in talks only under what it describes as “fair, balanced, and noncoercive terms.”

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