WANA (Feb 17) – Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that Russia, China, and Iran have deployed vessels for a joint naval exercise scheduled to take place soon in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Speaking in an interview with a local media outlet, the Russian official described the exercise as part of a coordinated plan between Moscow, Tehran and Beijing. In remarks to the newspaper Argumenty i Fakty, Patrushev said the three countries would participate in the 2026 “Maritime Security Belt” drills in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Some Iranian domestic media had previously reported that Iran, Russia and China would hold their eighth joint naval exercise under the title “Security Belt” in late February.

 

The “Maritime Security Belt” naval exercises have been conducted since 2019 at the initiative of the Iranian Navy.

 

The stated objectives include strengthening the security of global maritime trade, carrying out joint anti-piracy and counter-maritime terrorism measures, and conducting search-and-rescue operations.