China, Russia and Iran Plan Joint Naval Drills

China, Russia and Iran will participate in joint naval exercises planned for this month, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Sunday.

• The “Security Belt-2025” drills will take place in the Gulf of Oman, near the Iranian port of Chabahar.
• Drills will include search-and-rescue scenarios, simulated strikes on maritime targets, and damage control.
• China is expected to send its guided missile destroyer ship, the Baotou, as part of the exercises.

Cooperation: The ministry stated that the aim of this initiative is to strengthen “military trust and pragmatic cooperation,” as well as to ensure security in the region. These exercises mark the fifth joint naval exercise between China, Russia and Iran since 2019.

Strategic alliance: Chabahar is about 60 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, an oil-and-gas choke point in the Middle East. The Gulf of Oman is crucial for global energy transportation. Russia’s and China’s concerns over the security of the region show their desire for stronger influence in the Middle East.

The Bible prophesies of an alliance of Asian nations headed by Russia and China. That is why the Trumpet closely watches as these two nations increase cooperation.

To understand, read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Russia Allying With China.”