WANA (Mar 11) – The Commander of the Iran’s Navy stated that more than 50% of the global economy is concentrated in the northern Indian Ocean region. The countries acting as the main coordinators in this drill have independently escorted their shipping fleets since the emergence of maritime terrorism in the region.

 

Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, said during a press conference for the 2025 Maritime Security Belt Combined Exercise that the seventh iteration of this joint naval drill is currently underway in the northern Indian Ocean, with the central participation of Iran, the Russian Federation, and the People’s Republic of China.

 

The Navy Commander emphasized the importance of these exercises, particularly in terms of coordination. He noted that in the past two rounds, special attention was given to continuing these drills in the deeper parts of the ocean. This effort was carried out through joint maritime patrols with participating countries, particularly China and Russia, ensuring regional maritime security while focusing on safe conditions for all sailors worldwide.

 

Highlighting Iran’s contributions, Admiral Irani stated that Iran has directly escorted 6,000 commercial vessels and oil tankers. He underscored that wherever Iranian shipping has been present across different oceans, it has received protection. The main economic lifeline of the country has remained secure, and beyond that, Iran has also provided direct assistance to more than 20 nations that sought emergency support.

The 2025 Marine Security Belt Combined Exercise with the participation of naval forces from Iran, Russia, and China. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Discussing the 2025 Maritime Security Belt Exercise, he noted that this year’s participation from regional countries has been more significant, with a larger number of nations joining. However, due to the coinciding holy month of Ramadan, some countries were unable to participate this time but have planned for next year. Meanwhile, military attachés from various nations will observe the final phase of the drill.

 

Regarding the Iran-Russia-China naval coalition, Admiral Irani pointed out that while some global players operate under illusions, the number of maritime actors with real capabilities is increasing. More nations now possess the technological expertise and naval industry to maintain a presence at sea. However, this presence differs from others—while some countries contribute to security and stability, those who oppose such efforts have never brought peace to any part of the world. Instead, they have consistently been sources of insecurity and threats to humanity.

 

He further emphasized that members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS have the capacity to play a positive role in the maritime economy. While Iran, Russia, and China serve as the core of this naval exercise, regional countries are also expanding their presence at sea. These nations will increasingly participate in future drills with their naval fleets, strengthening a shared regional security framework.