Amidst the mounting tensions in West Asia, Russia, China, and Iran are gearing up for joint naval exercises scheduled for the upcoming month in the Jask area of the Gulf of Oman. For these exercises, aimed at enhancing cooperation and showcasing military prowess, several nations, including Brazil, Oman, India, South Africa, and neighbouring Caspian Sea countries, have received invitations to participate as observers.
Iran, having recently become a member of the BRICS grouping, is emerging as a key player in this collaborative effort. The trio, consisting of Russia, China, and Iran, is set to conduct its fourth joint naval drill, a move that some analysts interpret as a strategic response to the growing regional tensions involving the United States.
Strategically positioned near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, these military exercises gain added significance. This critical passage connects the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, playing a pivotal role in global trade, particularly concerning the sea exports of hydrocarbons by the Arab nations of the Gulf and Iran. The exercises coincide with a period of heightened international tensions, especially in the Middle East, where the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has added to the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.
The previous joint tactical manoeuvres saw Russian, Chinese, and Iranian navies engaging in a range of activities, from artillery fire and search-and-rescue missions at sea to the inspection and liberation of a supposedly captured ship. Eleven Iranian vessels were joined by three Russian ships and two Chinese vessels, with the participation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) employing smaller ships and helicopters.
Adding a layer of complexity, Russia, Iran, and China currently find themselves subject to Western sanctions. These sanctions are a result of various issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Iran’s nuclear program, and human rights abuses in China. In September 2023, Iran achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by gaining approval to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, the formal joining process is expected to take up to two years due to technical and legal considerations.
As Iran actively seeks to revive its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, the United States and its allies maintain sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. This dynamic further contributes to the intricate geopolitical landscape, shaping the ongoing narrative in West Asia and beyond.