Tehran – Iran reaffirmed its pivotal role in regional safety by leading the seventh iteration of the Maritime Security Belt-2025 joint naval exercise alongside China and Russia held near the strategic port of Chabahar on March 10-13.
Characterized by advanced tactical operations and airborne operations, the drill strengthened its alliance with global forces in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, highlighting Tehran’s commitment to protecting critical maritime routes.
The exercise featured synchronized day and night aerial target fire, tactical formations, mock rescue missions, and an epic naval parade, demonstrating increased interoperability between the three countries.
Rear Admiral Mostafa Tajeddini, deputy operation commander of Iran’s navy, welcomed the training as a testament to Iran’s technical refinement and leadership.
“Performing these operations requires precise adjustments and step-by-step orders,” he said, highlighting the seamless integration of the Iranian Navy (part of Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) navy with the Chinese and Russian fleets.
In particular, this year’s training has expanded its operational scope and deployed helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in deeper waters. This is a strategic leap from previous iterations.
Tajeddini emphasized the importance of such progress, describing them as important to counter “outside threats” and ensuring regional stability.
Lieutenant General Tadedini also repeatedly reiterated Iran’s uncompromising stance.
“Our unity at sea today guarantees stability on land tomorrow,” he added.
Since its founding in 2019, the Maritime Security Belt Drill has evolved in scale and complexity, reflecting Iran’s geopolitical ambitions.
The 2025 edition coincides with rising tensions in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, when the Western-led coalition increased its patrol.
In contrast, collaboration between Iran and Beijing and Moscow offers an alternative security framework, prioritizing regional sovereignty over external interventions.
Chabahar: Geopolitical Lynchpin
Chabahar’s choice as the focus of Drills highlights unparalleled strategic values. Iran’s only ocean port, located in the Gulf of Oman, bypasses the busy Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the global oil is transported.
Chabahar’s direct access to the Indian Ocean places it as the gateway to the international North-South Transport Corridor (INSC), a 7,200-km trade artery that connects India to Central Asia and Europe through Iran.
Historically, US sanctions have sanctioned the somewhat complicated development of Chabahar, but partnerships with eastern allies have helped to improve that outlook.
India’s first investment in port infrastructure aimed at access to Afghanistan and Central Asia is complemented by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which incorporates Chabahar into a broader Eurasian connectivity project.
Today, the port serves as a military and economic ties, allowing Iran to project influence while mitigating trust in Western-controlled trade routes.
One-sided counter
The 2025 training shows deepening alignment between Iran, China and Russia, reflecting unilateral opposition.
Analysts note that the movement that occurs near the Strait of Hormuz and Chabahar straits represents a collective resolve to secure important energy corridors to the global south and to secure trade lanes.
Some experts view these exercises as more than just defensive actions. They are seen as an opportunity to create a unified vision for maritime safety.
The partnership also counters Western segregation efforts. By fixing military cooperation in the Indian Ocean,
Furthermore, the inclusion of first air forces and nighttime operations in a three-way drill has increased Iran’s confidence in its asymmetric warfare capabilities and is important in deterring the presence of hostile navy.