WANA (Oct 23) – Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, announced that Saudi Arabia has proposed conducting a joint naval exercise with Iran. This move is part of efforts to enhance maritime diplomacy and security cooperation in the region.

 

Irani emphasized that both countries have also extended invitations to each other to visit their ports and suggested holding bilateral exercises, as well as exercises with the participation of other countries. Staff-level coordination is currently underway, and delegations from both nations are discussing the arrangements for the exercise.

 

These exercises are being planned as Iran seeks to strengthen its regional position and expand its influence by forming new military alliances. Last week, the Iranian Navy hosted the IMEX 2024 exercise in the northern Indian Ocean, with key participants such as Russia, India, and Oman, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt attended as observers.

 

Rear Admiral Irani highlighted Iran’s role in ensuring maritime security and its efforts to reduce the presence of foreign powers in the region. He also mentioned ongoing military cooperation with China and Russia. These exercises, especially as relations between Tehran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt improve, could mark an important step in strengthening alliances and showcasing Iran’s military capabilities in the face of regional threats, including escalating tensions with Israel.