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Iran hosts joint naval drills with Russia, Oman in Indian Ocean


FILE - A photo obtained from video by Iranian state TV IRIB on Dec. 27, 2019, shows the Iran navy frigate Sahand during Iran-Russia-China joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean. Iran on Oct. 19, 2024, joined Russia and Oman for more naval drills on the Indian Ocean.
FILE - A photo obtained from video by Iranian state TV IRIB on Dec. 27, 2019, shows the Iran navy frigate Sahand during Iran-Russia-China joint naval drills in the Indian Ocean. Iran on Oct. 19, 2024, joined Russia and Oman for more naval drills on the Indian Ocean.

Naval drills hosted by Iran with the participation of Russia and Oman and observed by nine other countries began in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, Iran's state TV said.

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," the English-language Press TV said.

Participants would practice tactics to ensure international maritime trade security, protect maritime routes, enhance humanitarian measures and exchange information on rescue and relief operations, it said.

The exercises coincide with heightened tensions in the region as Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza rages and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels retaliate by launching attacks 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.

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    Reuters

    Reuters is a news agency founded in 1851 and owned by the Thomson Reuters Corporation based in Toronto, Canada. One of the world's largest wire services, it provides financial news as well as international coverage in over 16 languages to more than 1000 newspapers and 750 broadcasters around the globe.

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