In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israel's aggression towards Palestine, China, Russia, and Iran are set to conduct a joint naval exercise in the coming weeks. According to Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Commander of the Iranian Navy, the exercise is scheduled to take place before March and aims to enhance regional security.
Irani stated that several other countries have been invited to participate in the exercise, with Pakistan, Brazil, Oman, India, and South Africa among those invited as observers. However, no further information regarding the location of the military drills has been disclosed.
This upcoming military exercise follows a previous joint operation named Security Bond-2023, where Iran, Russia, and China engaged in five days of training. The drills encompassed various scenarios, including counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy efforts, and simulated missions to rescue hijacked merchant vessels.
The timing of this latest military exercise coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, spurred by Israel's brutal aggression towards Palestine since October 7. Several militias across the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syrian militias, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have joined in attacks against Israel. Additionally, the Houthis have been targeting and hijacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, particularly those associated with Israel and the United States.
The Houthis have vowed to continue these attacks in the Red Sea until Israel ceases its aggressive actions against Palestine. They claim that these assaults are in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Amidst this turmoil, the United States has conducted a series of airstrikes in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen in recent weeks in response to provocations by various militias in the region.