TEHRAN – Iran and Pakistani military forces engaged in a day-long joint naval training exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern Persian Gulf, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing cooperation and strengthening relations.

The drills, which took place off the coast of Bandar Abbas, involved combat vessels and missile-launching warships from both the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Pakistan Navy.

The main objectives of the naval exercises were to elevate the level of training interactions, promote military relations, and implement bilateral maritime agreements. Young officers and cadets from both Iranian and Pakistani navies participated, employing a range of naval tactics and practicing communication and interaction using various telecommunication systems. Emphasis was placed on the transmission and reception of messages during sea emergencies.

Iran and Pakistan have increasingly intensified their military cooperation, conducting several joint naval exercises. In June of the previous year, senior military commanders from both nations discussed plans for collaboration between their navies and air forces.

During the meetings in Islamabad, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani engaged with Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force Zaheer Ahmad Babar. The Iranian delegation received briefings on the Pakistani Navy's efforts in ensuring maritime security and discussed plans for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The commanders explored ways to enhance cooperation between the navies of Iran and Pakistan, including initiatives such as training courses and the exchange of delegations. This ongoing collaboration underscores the commitment to mutual strategic interests in the region.

Earlier this month, Irani announced that the Islamic Republic plans to form new regional and extra-regional alliances to enhance security.

He also named Pakistan among other countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq that are eager for collective naval cooperation.

MAS