The previously reported Iran-Russia-China joint naval drills havekicked off Thursdayin Iran's increasingly crowded southern waters, as the United States continues expanding its military presence in the Arabian Sea.
Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Hassan Maqsudlu has made it clear that part of the purpose of the exercise is to"prevent any unilateral action in the region"- a clear challenge to Washington and the Trump-ordered ongoing Pentagon build-up of aerial and naval assets in the region. Iranian state TV has made it a point to widely publicize the drills, given it has Russia in its corner. Watch:
The joint Iranian-Russian naval exercise in the Northern Indian Ocean has entered its main phase, including counter-terrorism and tactical formations, according to Iranian State TV.https://t.co/rKoxUFP0Zxpic.twitter.com/3HyhW0lSlN
The drills are primarily taking place in the the keyoil transit chokepoint Strait of Hormuz, as well as the Gulf of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean.
The joint exercise been long planned, held annually since 2019, and usually also include China - but by appearances Beijing is taking a far backseat in this one, with little reported presence.
More footage of elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commandos deploying as part of the games:
Iranian State TV aired footage of the joint Iran-Russia naval drill in the Northern Indian Ocean. The exercise, including forces from the IRGC, Russian, and Iranian Navy commandos, exhibited vessel raids and seizures.pic.twitter.com/9ywzyIZQhG
There have also been reports of missile preparedness drills in some parts of Iran, a continuation of similar activity from earlier this month, amid the standoff with the US.
Reutersdetailedthe notice to airmen went to effect starting Wednesday: "Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that itplans rocket launches in areas across its southon Thursday from 330 GMT to 1330 GMT, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration website showed on Wednesday."
A NOTAM is currently in effect over Iran. If you’re a pilot, it’s best to steer clear of this area between ground level and FL100, as rockets may be launched. Thanks@notamify!pic.twitter.com/MTszL2G8AU
Source: ZeroHedge News
