TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iranian and Russian military forces have begun drilling in the Indian Ocean to boost the security of maritime trade in the region, Iran’s state television reported on Tuesday.
According to the TV, units of the Iranian Navy and the mighty naval forces of the Revolutionary Guard will participate in the exercise “Iran-Russia Maritime Seat Belt 2021” in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, which stretches for about 17,000 kilometers (10,600 miles).
According to Iranian administrator Gholamreza Tahani, the drilling spokesperson, a Russian destroyer, logistics ship and a helicopter would participate in the drilling. This is the second such joint exercise between Russia and Iran since 2019, when the two nations plus China held a four-day exercise.
Tehran sought to intensify military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow amid local tensions with the United States. The visits to Iran by Russian and Chinese naval representatives have also increased in recent years.
In the last few months, Iran has intensified military exercises as the country tries to put President Joe Biden under pressure over the nuclear deal, which he says could re-enter the United States.
Last Thursday, Iran’s revolutionary guard carried out a drill by the land forces near the border with Iraq using drones, helicopters and military tanks.
Former President Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally withdrew the US from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers. Under the agreement, Tehran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.
When the Trump administration subsequently imposed severe sanctions on Tehran, Iran gradually and publicly waived its restrictions on its nuclear development.
Iranian naval chief, adm. Hossein Khanzadi, said the Indian and Chinese navies would also participate in the exercise, the state-run IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday.