Iran, Russia, China hold drills amid US nuclear warning

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

TEHRAN, IRAN —  Iran announced joint naval exercises with Russia and China in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean on Thursday, coinciding with renewed US threats to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons "at all costs."

According to reports in Iranian media, the "Maritime Security Belt" exercise includes the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—classified as a terrorist organization by the European Union—alongside Russian and Chinese naval forces. The drills come as tensions in the region escalate amid stalled diplomatic negotiations.

Strategic drills in a vital waterway

The semi-official Mehr news agency reported that the trilateral drills, an Iranian initiative launched in 2019, aim to ensure "secure global trade routes in one of the world's most strategic maritime passages."

The exercise focuses on testing coordination, tactical readiness, and rapid response procedures among the Russian, Chinese, and Iranian naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Key objectives include the protection of commercial vessels and oil tankers, as well as combatting "maritime terrorism."

Conflicting reports on Chinese participation

While Mehr confirmed the participation of all three nations, Iran’s other semi-official news agency, Tasnim, reported that the drills would be conducted with Russia, omitting any mention of the Chinese navy.

Tasnim cited Iranian and Russian military officials stating that the goal is to enhance maritime security and sustainable naval interactions in the northern Indian Ocean. The discrepancy regarding China's level of involvement remains unclarified by Beijing.

US issues 'red line' warning

The timing of the drills is significant, occurring as the Trump administration intensifies its rhetoric regarding military intervention. Despite a second round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva on Tuesday, Washington maintains a stern posture.

Speaking at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting in Paris, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that a nuclear-armed Iran is "unacceptable" and that the US would prevent it "at all costs."

US Vice President JD Vance echoed these sentiments yesterday, noting that while negotiations have been partially positive, the regime in Tehran "still does not want to accept US red lines." Vance emphasized that while President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution, he "reserves the right to say diplomacy has reached its end," signaling that military options remain on the table.

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