Iran, Russia, and Oman conduct joint naval drills in Indian Ocean
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IMEX 2024 exercises are designed to bolster "collective security in the region, expand multilateral cooperation, and showcase goodwill and capabilities to ensure peace, friendship, and maritime security."
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This handout picture provided by the Iranian Defence Ministry on March 12, 2024, shows an Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy missile corvette at sea during the "Maritime Security Belt 2024" combined naval exercise between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman. (Iranian Army office/AFP)
Iran has launched joint naval exercises with Russia and Oman in the Indian Ocean, as reported by state television on Saturday.
The drills, codenamed "IMEX 2024", aim to enhance "collective security in the region, expand multilateral cooperation, and demonstrate goodwill and capabilities to safeguard peace, friendship, and maritime security," according to Press TV.
⚓️ Show of Power at Sea: Russian & Omani Warships Dock in Iran for IMEX 2024 Drills pic.twitter.com/7tLOqwgqr5
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) October 19, 2024
Nine other countries are observing the exercises, which focus on strengthening maritime cooperation.
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Participants in the drills will practice strategies to ensure the security of international maritime trade, safeguard shipping routes, improve humanitarian measures, and share information regarding rescue and relief operations.
These exercises come amid rising tensions in the region, with the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza and Yemen's operations in support of Gaza and its Resistance.
In light of escalating regional tensions with the United States, Iran has intensified its military collaboration with Russia and China. In March, the three nations conducted their fifth joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman. Among the countries observing the current drills are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
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