TEHRAN – Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, announced plans for a joint naval drill with China and Russia aimed at strengthening regional security. 

Speaking at a training center for marines in northern Iran, Admiral Irani emphasized the exercise's goal of "preserving and safeguarding the economic interests and reservoirs of the country," while also contributing to overall regional security and shared interests.

The drill, scheduled for before the end of the Iranian year, will not only involve Iran, China, and Russia, but will also see invitations extended to other countries to participate. 

Admiral Irani highlighted the importance of maritime security for Iranian vessels, stating that the Navy will "safeguard the country's security and help other countries ensure their own security" through vessel escorts.

Furthermore, the commander announced upcoming additions to the Iranian Navy by the year's end, bolstering its capabilities with the support of the Defense Ministry. 

This expansion underscores Iran's commitment to enhancing its maritime presence and contributing to regional stability.

On December 2, Admiral Irani stated that Naval forces from Iran, Russia and China are set to stage a joint naval exercise in the Persian Gulf, where the three powerhouses will conduct large-scale maritime drills involving various divisions of their military forces.

Forces from the three countries will jointly practice exercises during the 2024 Marine Security Belt naval war game, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said. 

Admiral Irani added that delegates from Pakistan, Brazil, Oman, India, South Africa and a number of the Caspian Sea littoral states have also been invited to participate in the drills as observers.

Iran, China and Russia have held several joint military drills in recent years to improve the security of international maritime trade, counter-piracy and maritime terrorism, exchange information in naval rescue and relief operations, and exchange operational and tactical experiences.

Irani went on to say that the main phase of the country's largest maritime zone will come on stream at the port city of Jask in southeastern Iran during the Ten-Day Dawn celebrations marking the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

Heavy-lift vessels will be deployed to the maritime zone by the end of the current Iranian calendar year, which concludes on March 20, 2024, the navy chief stated. 

Amir Admiral Shahram Irani said at the training center for marines and marine rangers and training center in the north of the country in Manjil: Iran's joint naval exercise with Russia and China will be held until the end of the year, although other countries have also been invited to participate in this exercise.

The Iranian admiral considered the most important strategy of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army in the current situation to preserve and protect the interests and economic resources of the Islamic system and the people and added: This exercise is carried out with the aim of securing the security of the region and common interests.

The Commander of the Navy continued: "By accompanying Iranian ships at sea, we protect the shipping of the Islamic Republic of Iran and help countries that need support to ensure security and safety."

He said: With the support of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces, it is planned to add several ships to the Navy fleet by the end of this year.

In this ceremony, Gudarz Bahrami, the former commander of training of marines and marine rangers, also pointed out the 10-year effort to progress and develop software and hardware programs in this center and announced the readiness of all forces of this base.