China, Iran and Russia hold drills in Gulf of Oman

Israel National News reports: “Naval forces from China, Iran and Russia — countries at odds with the United States — are staging joint drills in the Gulf of Oman this week, China’s Defense Ministry announced, according to The Associated Press.

Other countries are also taking part in the ‘Security Bond-2023’ exercises, the ministry said without giving details. Iran, Pakistan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates all have coastline along the waterbody lying at the mouth of the strategic Persian Gulf.

‘This exercise will help deepen practical cooperation between the participating countries’ navies … and inject positive energy into regional peace and stability,’ the ministry said in a statement which was made public on Tuesday.

The exercises scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday come amid heightened tensions between the US and China over a range of issues, including China’s refusal to criticize Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine and continuing support for the Russian economy.

The three countries held similar drills last year and in 2019, underscoring China’s growing military and political links with nations that have been largely shunned by the US and its partners…”

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