Iran, Russia to conduct joint navy drill on Thursday

DUBAI -  Iran and Russia will conduct navy drills in the Sea of Oman and  the northern Indian Ocean on Thursday, the Iranian semi-official  Fars news agency reported, a few  days after Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Creating convergence and coordination in joint measures to counter activities threatening maritime  security and safety (...) as well as combating maritime terrorism, are among the main goals of this joint  exercise," an Iranian navy commander, Hassan Maghsoodloo said according to Fars news.

The drill is deepening military cooperation between the two countries at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East and broader global strategic competition.

The drills are a continuation of the longstanding “Maritime Security Belt” series of exercises that first began in 2019 with Iran, Russia and China as core participants.

Officials involved in planning the exercises say the maneuvers are designed to enhance interoperability between the forces and demonstrate a unified front amid geopolitical pressures, particularly as Iran faces ongoing diplomatic tensions with Western powers and sanctions pressures.

While details of the exact location and participating assets have not been fully disclosed, the naval drills are widely expected to take place in strategic waterways critical to global energy and trade routes — likely in the northern Indian Ocean or adjacent maritime zones near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil exports transit.

The announcement of the drills comes against the backdrop of recent Iranian military activity, including live-fire exercises and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for military drills earlier this week — a highly unusual move that underscores mounting regional tensions.

Analysts say the cooperation reflects a broader strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran, as both countries seek to counterbalance US influence in the region and assert greater control over key maritime corridors. The inclusion of Russia’s naval forces is also seen as a sign of strengthening defense ties beyond purely diplomatic or economic links.