Joint naval exercises involving Russia, China, and Iran have begun near the port of Bandar Abbas amid an increased US military presence in the Middle East. According to The War Zone, naval units from the three countries are practicing coordination and tactical readiness in a strategically important area.

The drills are taking place near the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. Commenting on the regional situation, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani said that the Islamic Republic has faced threats, propaganda, and the presence of extra-regional fleets in West Asia for 47 years.

Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev described the exercises as timely in the context of confrontation with the West. He also stated that Moscow intends to use the potential of BRICS to build a полноценное strategic maritime dimension.

Experts say the maneuvers could complicate US plans regarding Iran, although they do not pose a direct military threat. At the same time, the presence of ships belonging to potential adversaries creates additional risks for the US aircraft carrier strike group Gerald R. Ford.

Earlier, Iran announced the closure of part of the Strait of Hormuz due to the drills. Following that, the United States reinforced its presence in the Middle East, deploying 50 fighter jets of various types to the region within 24 hours.