China, Iran and Russia to hold joint naval drills near Gulf of Oman

Naval forces from China, Iran and Russia will conduct joint drills near the Gulf of Oman from March 11 to 15, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the 45th fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy has sent the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi, the missile frigate Linyi, and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Dongpinghu to participate in the drills.

The 2024 edition of the Security Belt exercises, the drills aim to jointly safeguard regional maritime security, the Chinese ministry said.