Joint Russia–China–Iran Naval Drills Begin in Hormuz Strait
Russia, China and Iran start “Marine Security Belt–2026” drills in the Hormuz Strait as tensions rise over a possible US strike on Iran.
As speculation grows over a possible US military operation against Iran, Russia, China and Iran have deployed naval forces for joint drills dubbed «Marine Security Belt-2026». The exercises are set to begin on February 19 in the Hormuz Strait, Tasnim news agency reports.
Iranian Navy Admiral Hasan Maqsudlu said the maneuvers reflect the parties’ close attention to the current situation. The drills will involve vessels from the Iranian Navy, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as ships from the Russian Navy and the Chinese Navy.
The Hormuz Strait is a strategic artery for global oil exports, linking Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the UAE with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Unlike previous exercises, Iran’s Navy has begun blocking the strait during the upcoming drills, whereas passage remained open in earlier iterations.
The developments come amid reports that the White House is seriously considering military action against Iran. Western media sources estimate the likelihood of a US strike in the coming weeks at 90 percent.