TEHRAN – The Iranian Navy will host the Caspian Sea combined rescue and relief exercise, a demonstration of regional cooperation and shared commitment to maritime security. 

The main stage of the exercise, dubbed "AZIREX2024" with the slogan "Cooperation for Peace and Friendship," is set to take place on Tuesday with the participation of both Iranian and Azeri naval forces. The drill will be hosted by the Iranian northern fleet.

The exercise aims to strengthen sustainable collective security and its foundations in the region, while expanding multilateral cooperation between participating countries. It will also serve as a platform to showcase the participating nations' goodwill and capabilities in promoting peace, friendship, and maritime security.

Iran also hosted a joint naval drill with a number of members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) last month. The drill held in Iran’s southern waters was joined by Russia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Qatar, and Bangladesh.

The event served as a platform for Iran to demonstrate its naval strengths and strengthen its ties with nations that are invested in the safety and security of the Indian Ocean.