Overview

• More than 20 ships, including warships and support vessels from Iran, Russia, and China, participated in the drills focused on anti-piracy operations and combat training.
• The exercises included firing at sea, rescue operations for hijacked merchant ships, and the use of naval helicopters and special operations teams.
• Iran has increased military cooperation with China and Russia in response to regional tensions, and the drills serve as a signal to the West amid the current geopolitical landscape.
• Observers from countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa were present, highlighting the international interest in the exercises.
• The drills come against the backdrop of escalated attacks in the Red Sea and are part of a larger strategy by China, Russia, and Iran to assert their influence in the region.