The article discusses joint naval exercises conducted by China, Iran, and Russia in March 2023, amid rising tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The exercises, involving multiple military vessels from each nation, aim to enhance trust and security cooperation. The backdrop includes Iran’s strengthened relationships with Russia and China, following significant geopolitical shifts.

China’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed its participation in a joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia, scheduled to take place near the Port of Chabahar, beginning March 10. The Tasnim News Agency, linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported these maneuvers, emphasizing their timing amidst escalating threats of military action against Iran by Israel and the United States due to Tehran’s nuclear program.

During the exercise, Iran has deployed 10 naval groups from both its Army Navy and the Revolutionary Guard, while Russia contributed two destroyers and a support vessel. China also participated with one destroyer and one support vessel. Notably, military observers from several countries, including Azerbaijan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, were present. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the exercise involved naval target battle drills and joint rescue operations, aimed at enhancing trust among the armed forces.

This naval exercise follows previous drills conducted by Iran, Russia, and China over the last few years, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has increased scrutiny of military relations between Iran and China with Moscow. The three nations previously participated in a four-day naval exercise in March 2022 in the Gulf of Oman designed to enhance regional maritime security.

Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and closer ties through BRICS have further strengthened its bonds with Moscow and Beijing. In light of mixed signals from the United States, Iran maintains a firm stance on negotiating its nuclear program only in alignment with Russia and China, as affirmed by Iranian official Abbas Araghchi following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a strategic cooperation agreement, which aims to enhance their military, political, trade, and economic relations. Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has remarked on the emergence of what he termed an “alliance of authoritarian regimes,” noting the increasing collaboration among these nations in defiance of Western democracies, especially as sanctions have intensified their cooperation.

In summary, the joint naval exercises conducted by China, Iran, and Russia signify a critical alignment of military cooperation against a backdrop of increased tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and geopolitical challenges. The participation of multiple nations underscores the significance of this exercise in strengthening ties among these states. Furthermore, the evolving dynamics in international relations reflect a broader shift towards collaboration among nations facing Western sanctions and pressures.

Original Source: www.niacouncil.org

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