China, Russia, Iran Naval Drills Challenge US Domination Of The Seas
Iran, China, and Russia carried out a naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman from March 12-15. The drill, named the Marine Security Belt 2024, encompassed an area of 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles). Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa were official observers of the action.
The naval exercise had the goal of “strengthening maritime cooperation and safeguarding peace and stability,” as stated by the Chinese Defense Ministry. Iran’s Admiral Mostafa Tajaddini stated that the three nations’ operation was also meant to confront “piracy and terrorism, support humanitarian activities and the exchange of information in the field of rescue.”