Russia, China and Iran to Conduct Joint Naval Exercises in Strait of Hormuz
Moscow – Russia, China, and Iran are deploying naval ships for joint exercises in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. The exercises, named “Maritime Security Belt 2026,” are intended to enhance coordination in protecting trade routes that are increasingly vulnerable.
Strategic Alignment and Multipolarity
The joint training was revealed by Russian presidential advisor Nikolay Patrushev, who stated that Russia seeks to build a “multipolar world order on the oceans” in response to perceived Western hegemony PBS. The three nations are members of the BRICS intergovernmental organization and aim to strengthen its “strategic maritime dimension.”
“We will exploit the potential of BRICS, which must now gain its full strategic maritime dimension,” Patrushev said. He noted that BRICS held its first naval exercise, “Will for Peace 2026,” in the South Atlantic in January, involving Russia, China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.
Protecting Vital Trade Routes
The “Maritime Security Belt 2026” exercises will focus on coordinating naval efforts to safeguard trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes AP News. Patrushev emphasized the increasing vulnerability of these routes.
This is not the first joint naval exercise initiated by Iran; the first such exercise was launched in 2019, and has been held seven times since then.
Recent Developments and Regional Context
These exercises follow Iran’s recent announcement of a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live fire military drills as negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program continued The Independent. Iran also fired live missiles toward the Strait during these drills, citing “safety and maritime concerns.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital point, and the joint exercises signal a growing alignment between Russia, China, and Iran in challenging existing geopolitical dynamics in the region.