Iran, China and Russia start joint naval exercises 2023

Iran, China and Russia start joint naval exercises 2023

warships from Iran, China and Russia started their annual exercises in the Gulf of Oman on Monday. This is shown by the military connections of these countries, while US President Donald Trump faces long-standing western alliances.

"Security Belt-2025" exercises in the Gulf of Oman

The "Security Belt-2025" exercises that take place near the Iranian port of Chabahar are already the fifth joint naval exercises that Iran, China and Russia have carried out since 2019. According to the Chinese state media, these exercises have long been seen as a sign of the growing partnership between the three authoritarian powers. This partnership aims to compensate for the influence of the USA and to question the global order western.

a geopolitical rethink

This year the geopolitical effects are even clearer, since Trump disturbs the transatlantlant alliance - which has been a cornerstone of western security for decades - by hugging Russia and neglecting Ukraine. He also urges Asian allies to pay more for protection by the United States.

reactions of the US President

When asked about the exercises, Trump explained on Sunday that the evidence of the three opponents of the United States was "not worried" at all. "We are stronger than everyone. We have more power than everyone," he said in an interview with Fox News on board Air Force One.

The emerging strategic alliance

In Washington, the concerns about the new strategic alliance between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are growing. US legislators described it as an "axis of authoritarianism", "axis of the autocrats" and "axis of the dictators". The fear is that the common aversion to the United States is increasingly driving together to work together, which means that the threat, which represents every single country for Washington or its allies, is not only limited to one region, but may work over several parts of the world at the same time.

Trump's strategy and the international situation

At the same time, Trump openly hugged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine by communicating directly with Moscow and leaving Kiev and the European allies aside. The military relationship between Russia and North Korea has increased significantly last year, since both countries signed a mutual defense agreement and sent Pyongyang troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine.

tensions between the USA and Iran

The exercises also take place in the middle of increased tensions between the USA and Iran. Since returning to the White House, Trump has restored his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. This includes measures that aim to push the Iranian oil exports to zero in order to prevent Tehran from gaining a nuclear weapon - a procedure that Tehran condemns as "blackmail".

strategic importance of the Gulf of Oman

The Gulf of Oman is a decisive goal that connects the Indian ocean with the Hormuz street, cuts around a quarter of the world traded worldwide. The United States has a significant presence in the region with the fifth fleet, which is stationed in the nearby base in Bahrain.

scope of military exercises

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the joint marinemanevers will include 15 emergency ships, support ships and coastal ships as well as helicopters. "The Russian side is represented by the Korvetten Rezky and the Russian heroes Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the Pechenega tanker of the Pacific fleet," was quoted from the Ministry. China also sent the destroyer of type 052D, Baotou, and the supply ship Gaoyouhu from a nearby naval unit to participate in the exercises, confirmed the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

goals of the exercises

The exercises that aim to strengthen military trust and intensify practical cooperation include simulated attacks on maritime goals, search and rescue exercises as well as operations to control and access ships, according to the ministry. According to the Iranian state media, Iran sent a camouflage failure and a patrol ship.