Russia, Iran, China hold joint naval drills

Russia, China and Iran have held their annual joint naval exercises, with over 20 ships, supply vessels and combat boats taking part, including the Russian missile cruiser Varyag and the Marshal Shaposhnikov anti-submarine destroyer. The drills were conducted around the Gulf of Oman, and included joint tactical maneuvers and communications training, with a focus on anti-piracy and search and rescue operations. The 2024 Maritime Security Belt drills are the sixth set of annual exercises to take place, with the navies of Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Oman, India and South Africa participating as observers for the first time.