From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Iran hosts naval drills with Russia, Oman in Indian Ocean amid heightened Middle East tensions — state media
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Iran’s state TV reports that naval drills hosted by Iran with the participation of Russia and Oman and observed by nine other countries began in the Indian Ocean today.
The exercises, dubbed “IMEX 2024,” are aimed at boosting “collective security in the region, expand multilateral cooperation, and display the goodwill and capabilities to safeguard peace, friendship and maritime security,” according to English-language Press TV.
Participants will practice tactics to ensure international maritime trade security, protect maritime routes, enhance humanitarian measures and exchange information on rescue and relief operations, the report adds.
The exercises come amid heightened tensions in the region as Israel fights Iran-backed terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while other Tehran proxies launch attacks on Israel from Syria and Iraq, and on ships in the Red Sea.
In response to regional tensions with the United States, Iran has increased its military cooperation with Russia and China.
In March, Iran, China, and Russia held their fifth joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. Countries observing the current drills include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand.
The Times of Israel Community.