Tehran: Iran and Russia have launched a joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean with the aim of increasing the security of sea trade in the region. Iran’s state TV reported this on Tuesday. Units of Iran’s Navy and Revolutionary Guards will participate in the ‘Iran-Russia Maritime Security Zone 2021’ exercise in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. According to Iran’s Admiral Gholamreza Tahani, a Russian destroyer, another vessel and a helicopter took part in the exercise. Russia-Iran is conducting joint exercises for the second time since the year 2019.
In 2019, China also participated in a four-day exercise with both countries. Iran is increasing military cooperation with China and Russia amid heightened tensions with the US. In recent years, there have been increased visits from representatives of Russia and Chinese navies in the country. Iran has stepped up military exercises in the last few months as the country wants to increase pressure on US President Joe Biden over the nuclear deal.
Biden has said that America will rejoin the Nuclear Agreement with Iran. Former President Donald Trump decided to separate the US from the agreement in 2018. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard practiced near the border with Iraq last Thursday using drones, helicopters and military tanks.
