Russia Starts Conducting Naval Exercises With China And Iran

In an effort to strengthen its relations with Beijing and Tehran, Russia said on Wednesday that it has begun conducting naval drills there with China and Iran.

The trilateral exercises known as “Marine Security Belt 2023” have started close to the Iranian port of Chabahar, according to a statement from the Russian defense ministry.

The maneuvers’ naval component will happen on Thursday and Friday.

According to the government, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and a medium-sized tanker will represent Russia.

The ships will engage in “joint manoeuvres and will conduct out artillery shooting in daylight and at night” during the naval exercises, according to the statement.

As a result of his decision to send soldiers to Ukraine a year ago, which led to successive waves of previously unheard-of Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has attempted to strengthen his political, economic, and military connections with China and Iran.