Iran and Russia Hold Joint Naval Drill to Boost Maritime Security
Exercise in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean focuses on maritime security and joint operations
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — A joint naval drill involving the naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation is scheduled to be held today in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean, hosted by the First Imamat Naval Zone of the Iranian Army Navy.
Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou, spokesperson for the joint naval exercise, said the drill is taking place in Bandar Abbas with the participation of naval units from both countries.
Objectives: Maritime Security and Sustained Cooperation
Rear Admiral Maqsoudlou said the primary objective of the joint exercise is to enhance maritime security and strengthen sustained navigational cooperation in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.
He added that expanding joint naval cooperation and reinforcing relations between the naval forces of Iran and Russia in the planning and execution of combined operations are among the key goals of the drill.
Countering Maritime Threats and Terrorism
Maqsoudlou noted that a central focus of the exercise is to create convergence and coordination in joint actions to counter activities threatening maritime security and safety, particularly in protecting commercial vessels and oil tankers, as well as combating maritime terrorism.
He stressed that the drill is also aimed at deepening friendly relations, increasing regional cooperation with priority given to neighboring countries, and strengthening the role of regional states in ensuring maritime security and safe navigation.
Commitment to Regional Stability and Cooperation
According to the spokesperson, holding this joint drill alongside other exercises by Iran’s armed forces reflects the two countries’ close attention to developments in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.
He said it demonstrates the shared commitment of Tehran and Moscow to strengthening naval cooperation, countering unilateralism, and supporting the security of maritime trade in the region.
Meanwhile, Captain Aleksei Sergeev, commander of the Russian naval flotilla, expressed satisfaction with his presence in Bandar Abbas and thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for its hospitality.
Emphasizing the close and friendly relations between the two sides, Sergeev said the current level of interaction and cooperation shows that Iran and Russia are capable of jointly managing and resolving a wide range of maritime and coastal challenges.
He added that the Russian Navy is ready to conduct joint exercises in any region, including specialized drills such as maritime counter-terrorism operations carried out by vessels and boats from both countries. (PW)