Iran and Russia Announce Joint Naval Exercises in Sea of Oman and Northern Indian Ocean This Thursday

The First Naval Region of Iran’s Navy is set to host a joint drill in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

A Russian Federation Navy helicopter carrier has entered the southern waters of Iran, marking a step in joint maritime cooperation. The vessel has docked at the First Naval Region base of the Iranian Navy.

Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsoudlou, serving as the spokesperson for the exercise, announced that the main goal of the drill is to enhance maritime security and foster lasting naval cooperation in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.

He stated that one of the primary objectives of the exercise is to enhance joint maritime cooperation and bolster coordination in planning and executing combined operations.

Maqsoudlou emphasized that improving alignment and collaboration in addressing threats to maritime security, especially safeguarding commercial ships and oil tankers, alongside efforts to counter maritime terrorism, will be a primary objective of the exercise.

He highlighted that the initiative aims to strengthen amicable relationships, enhance regional collaboration with an emphasis on neighboring nations, and bolster the involvement of regional states in safeguarding maritime security and ensuring safe navigation.

According to the spokesperson, the exercise, along with other maneuvers carried out by Iran’s military forces, highlights the nations’ focus on developments in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. This initiative emphasizes their dedication to bolstering maritime collaboration, challenging unilateral actions, and ensuring the security of maritime trade routes.

Captain First Rank Alexey Sergeev, who commands the Russian naval flotilla, conveyed his appreciation for being in Bandar Abbas and extended gratitude to Iran for its warm hospitality.

Sergeev emphasized the strong ties between the two parties, noting that the existing level of collaboration reflects their capacity to collectively address and tackle maritime and coastal issues.

He noted that Russia is ready to engage in joint exercises across multiple regions, which will include specialized drills such as maritime counterterrorism operations conducted by naval vessels and boats from both countries.

In the midst of escalating hostile rhetoric from Washington and a significant increase in the US military presence both near and off the Iranian coast, an upcoming drill is set to take place.

Trump stated that the deployment was intended to pressure Tehran into engaging in negotiations, warning that if a deal was not reached, it would result in a military strike “far worse” than the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Iran has consistently dismissed any threats or acts of coercion, maintaining that successful diplomacy cannot occur under pressure or intimidation. The nation has expressed readiness for negotiations, provided they are conducted fairly and grounded in mutual respect. Meanwhile, Iran has cautioned that any military aggression by the United States or its allies targeting Iranian interests will be met with a prompt and decisive counteraction.