Iran, China, and Russia conduct joint naval drills

Iran, China, and Russia began their annual joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman on Monday. This year's exercises, named "Security Belt-2025," mark the fifth collaboration since 2019, highlighting their military ties amid U.S. concerns over shifting global security dynamics. The drills involve 15 combat ships, helicopters, and various support vessels. Each country has deployed significant naval assets, including corvettes and destroyers, to participate in operations aimed at enhancing military cooperation and trust. These exercises occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as growing military relationships among China, Russia, and North Korea. The U.S. maintains a strong naval presence in the region through its Fifth Fleet.